«, . 
,     cr^  ex' 


THE 


ROYALIST'S    DAUGHTER 


AND  THE   KEBELS: 


OB.    TH» 


DUTCH  DOMINIE  OF  THE  CATSKEIS. 


A  TALE  OF  THE  REVOLUTION. 


BY  REV.  DAVID  MURDOCH,  DJX 


NEW  YORK : 
UNITED  STATES  BOOK  COMPANY 

SUCCESSORS   TO 

JOHN   W.    LOVELL   COMPANY 

150  WORTH  ST.,  COR.  MISSION  PLACE 


filtered,  according  to  Act  of  Coegren,  In  the  year  1886,  by 

JOHN    X.    POTTKR. 

la  ttoOerk'i  Oflke  of  the  Dfatrict  Court  of  toe  Omtea  States,  in  and  for  the 
Dfatriet  of  PenoayiT»ni». 


THE  DISCOVERY. 


LETTER  of  WESSEL  SCHERMEBHORN,  to  the  excellent  and  venerable 
ABRAHAM  HAASBBOTTGH,  Esq.,  New  York. 

Hum  PKAK,  Aug.  12,  I860. 

MY  inrcH  EESPECTED  UKCXE, 

BT  MY  MOTHER'S  SIDE. 

I  WKITK  this  from  the  highest  point  of  land  my  feet  ever  have  stood 
upon.  I  am  now  looking  out  upon  the  great  valley  of  the  Hudson, 
and  can  see  the  spires  of  Poughkeepsie,  the  cupola  of  the  Capitol 
at  Albany,  the  hills  of  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts.  The  White 
and  Green  Mountains  rise  before  me  in  noble  grandeur;  all  spread- 
ing out,  so  that  it  seems  as  if  a  great  sheet  were  let  down  from 
heaven;  while  the  North  Kiver,  like  a  silver  ribbon,  is  running 
through  the  resplendent  garniture.  "We  of  Holland  descent  have 
cause  of  pride  in  Hendrick  Hudson  the  discoverer ;  and  as  I  look 
down,  my  heart  beats  with  transport  at  the  thought  that  MT  ances- 
tors have  made  all  that  land  to  become  what  I  see,  in  fertility,  rich- 
nsss  and  beauty.  Chiefly  my  blood  dances  in  my  veins  as  I  recall 
the  history  of  those  noble  acts  performed  on  the  scene  that  Ses 
before  my  view. 

Knowing  your  great  interest  in  all  that  refers  to  the  past,  I  have, 
since  leaving  the  Bowery,  been  collecting  the  antiquities  of  this 
region,  especially  such  as  may  throw  light  upon  the  early  history  of 
the  colony,  as  far  back  as  the  settlement  of  New  Amsterdam — a 
matter  in  which  I  know  you  to  be  deeply  interested,  engaged  as  yoq 


2137304 


IV  THE   DISCOVERY. 

DOM  are  in  forming  a  museum,  that  may  in  time  rival  that  of  Ply 
mouth  Kock  or  Hartford. 

I  send  you  several  cases  per  the  "  Vrow  "  sloop,  Captain  Post,  in 
which  are  precious  relics,  valuable  in  your  eyes :  Primus.  Dutch 
tiles  that  were  brought  over  in  the  ship  "  Gilded  Beaver,"  March, 
1660;  a  china  milk-pot  that  stood  on  Gen.  Schuyler's  table  when 
the  great  Washington  and  his  aid,  Gen.  Hamilton,  sat  at  the  same ; 
a  looking-glass  that  the  light-heeled  Docbter  of  Dom.  Megapolenses 
saw  herself  in  before  she  ran  away  with  Michael  Goosen,  the  tailor. 
Secundua.  A  piece  of  the  Duffel  cloth,  the  knife,  and  a  button  from 
the  beaver  that  Aejie  Hollenback  got  for  interpreting  between  the 
Governor  who  then  was,  and  Pewack,  Chief  of  the  Mohicanders,  at  the 
transfer  of  the  land  east  of  the  Cauli  bergs,  extending  from  the  Heilder- 
bergs,  north,  near  to  Albany,  down  to  the  south  of  Siepos  Creek, 
which  creek  runs  close  to  Kingston,  which  was  ancient  Esopus ;  also, 
in  a  small  box  laid  in  lint  that  grew  on  old  Dom.  Schuneman's  farm, 
you  will  find  a  ring  once  worn  by  Annie  Bogart,  sister's  dochter  to 
AnejaBogardus,  that  was  second  cousin  to  Anneka  Janks,  of  blessed 
memory ;  next  you  have  the  staff  or  cane  with  which  Dom.  Schaet 
chastised  the  Lutheran  dominie  when  he  came  off  second  best,. 
Tertius.  And  what  you  will  value  most  of  all  is  the  ancient  manu- 
script, inclosed  in  double  sheepskin.  Its  history  is  curious  and 
might  make  the  groundwork  of  a  strange  story  itself.  One  of  the 
dominies  of  the  region  being  inquisitive  in  his  disposition,  and  fond 
of  tracing  out  all  traditions  of  old  Holland,  found  in  an  oaxen, 
worm-eaten  chest,  books  bearing  the  name  of  Dom.  de  Eainde, 
who  had,  with  other  good  men,  been  driven  away  from  JSTew  York 
when  the  British  took  the  ancient  edifice  in  William  street,  and 
made  it  a  riding  school.  By  looking  into  the  records  of  the  Colle- 
giate Church,  you  will  doubtless  find  the  name  and  the  history  of 
that  Eevolutionary  worthy,  up  to  the  time  he  too*  refuge  in  Caats- 
baan,  the  anciont  stone  church  of  which  lies  just  at  my  feet,  and 
where  I  went  last  Sabbath,  and  heard  the  purest,  and  most  eloquent 


THE   DISCOVERY.  •     T 

Dominie  that  now  lives,  of  the  old  stock.  Among  those  old  \olumea 
was  this  precious  document  found,  and  which  I  procured  undei  <Le 
solemn  pledge  of  conveying  it  to  the  hands  of  those  for  whom  it 
was  originally  designed.  Being  proud  to  say  that  I  have  an  uncle, 
by  my  mother's  side,  in  the  Grand  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate 
Church,  the  discoverer  has  intrusted  the  manuscript  to  my  care,  and 
which  I  send  to  you  in  perfect  confidence  that  justice  will  be  done 
to  the  venerable  author  by  his  no  less  venerable  successors. 

Here  let  me  speak  a  word  in  behalf  of  the  finder  of  this  ancient 
document,  who  is  worthy  of  all  gratitude  for  rescuing  such  a  relio 
from  oblivion ;  and  as  you  may  be  curious  to  know  of  him,  I  would 
merely  say  to  you,  and  through  you  to  the  Grand  Consistory,  that 
he  has  not  a  drop  of  Holland  blood  in  his  body.  When  I  ventured 
to  ask  him  how  he  took  such  an  interest  in  our  "  LITTLE  ZION  "  here 
in  Xorth  America,  he  rose  to  his  feet,  and  with  great  fervor  declared 
that  the  "  true  dominie's  blood  runs  in  the  spirit,  not  in  the  veins ; 
and  that  the  sons  of  John  Knox  were,  in  dark  days,  nursed  at  the 
breasts  of  old  Leyden,  and  that  they  still  retain  the  same  life  in  them, 
instinctively  finding  out  those  of  the  same  family."  Another  reason 
he  said  might  be  given  for  his  own  attachment  to  the  Hollanders  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Atlantic :  his  forefathers  had  been  determined 
free  traders  from  the  coast  of  Scotland  to  that  of  Holland,  sailing 
past  the  custom-house  independently,  which  some  foolishly  styled 
smuggling ;  but  whatever  it  was,  "this  son  of  Caledonia" — here  he 
struck  his  breast  with  force — "  is  a  free  man,  and  has  a  strong  love 
for  all  patriots  in  general,  and  a  sincere  admiration  for  his  predeces- 
sor, DOMINIE  SCHTJNEMAN,  in  particular." 

So  far  I  tell,  the  secrets  I  keep  till  I  see  you. 

Tour  loving  nephew, 

W.  8. 


Ti  THE   DISCOVERT. 

CATSBAAX,  Dec.  27,  1TT8. 

To  the  Venerable  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New  York. 

To  MY  BELOVED  BBETHBEN,  GEEETING: 

Ever  since  the  day  I  parted  with  you  until  now,  I  have 
longed  to  hear  of  your  affairs ;  hoping  that  this  will  find  your  bodies 
in  health,  even  as  I  know  your  souls  prosper.  Obliged,  as  I  have 
been,  to  part  from  you,  and  to  take  up  my  abode  here,  even  as  the 
pelican  in  the  wilderness,  it  grieves  my  heart  sore,  to  think  that  my 
presence  cannot  be  with  you  to  comfort  you  in  the  midst  of  that 
cruel  war  which  still  environs  you.  Nevertheless,  though  you  have 
in  the  abundance  of  your  liberality  declared  my  beloved  associate 
and  fellow  laborer  in  the  Gospel,  the  good  and  learned  Dominie  Ku- 
dolphus  Eitzema,  and  myself,  emeriti,  i.e.  amply  providing  for  our 
wants;  which  I  understand  to  mean  that  our  presence  is  hence- 
forth to  be  dispensed  with,  in  lieu  of  younger  and  smoother  tongued 
men  who  can  use  the  modern  speech  of  Sion  to  advantage,  in  the 
new  state  of  things,  I  am  content.  My  share  of  public  delights  haf  • 
been  given  in  times  past ;  nor  did  I  cease  while  going  in  and  out 
before  you  to  cultivate  the  Humanities  daily ;  so  that  I  might  do 
honor  and  service  to  the  learned  Kerke  of  Holland  planted  here  in 
this  desert  land,  not  suffering  any  one  to  affirm  that  I  was  behind  in 
anything  which  might  commend  the  doctrines  of  the  Eeformed 
Churches,  and  that  furthermore  I  might  have  within  my  own  soul 
a  spring  of  pure  delight,  from  which  I  might  drink  in  my  solitude, 
and  be  satisfied,  as  the  wise  Solomon  saith  of  the  good  man. 
Prov.  xiv.,  14. 

Happily  for  me,  this  power  of  drawing  from  myself  remainetb 
even  unto  old  age.  Could  you  but  see  me  enga'ged  in  my  regular 
studies,  writing  out  my  weekly  discourse  which  I  never  expect  to 
deliver  orally ;  or  reading  out  of  the  holy  and  learned  Thos.  Sher- 
locke,  D.D.,  late  Master  of  the  Temple  and  Bishop  of  London,  a 
volume  of  whose  works  my  late  and  beloved  colleague,  Dom.  Rit- 
zema  has  sent  me  from  his  exile  in  Kinderhook  (his  own  copy,  Ex 


THE   DISCOVEET.  Vll 

Dono  Reverendi  Doctoris  Samuelis  Johnson,  Connecticut),  a  won- 
derful book  from  which  I  have  been  drawing  nourishment.  Truly 
he  is  the  Locke  of  Divinity,  who  anatomizes  the  whole  system  and 
illustrates  its  component  parts. 

Besides  those  weightier  matters,  I  have  not  neglected  my  duty  to 
my  country :  so  I  have  been  careful  to  record  the  passing  events 
of  the  present  time.  I  have  written  a  history.  It  is  after  the  man- 
ner of  an  old  painter  of  the  mother  country  (you  know  Holland  has 
been  famous  for  her  artists) ;  he  sat  down  without  plan,  and  putting 
down  the  objects  which  first  struck  his  eye,  threw  the  sketch  aside, 
and  found  it  next  day  to  be  a  natural  picture  of  the  first  order. 

There  will  be  historians  in  swarms  who  will  give  the  outside  of 
this  great  struggle.  I  have  written  of  the  quieter  scenes  of  life  in 
a  disturbed  state,  and  as  it  would  not  be  safe  to  let  the  world  know 
now  what  I  have  written,  I  send  it  to  your  care,  so  that  it  may  be 
put  into  the  strong  box  where  we  have  hidden  our  records. 

Some  future  antiquarian  of  sufficient  enthusiasm  may  give  my 
history  to  the  world.  One  hundred  years  hence  it  will  be  read  with 
admiration.  To  your  care  I  commit  it. 

Never  expecting  to  meet  you  again  in  the  flesh,  Yoorts,  breeders ! 
zijt  blijde,  de  God  nu  des  vredes  zal  den  Satan  haast  onder  uwe 
voeten  verpletteren.  De  genade  van  onzen  Heere  Jezus  Christus  zij 
met  ulieden.  Amen. 

DOM.  DE  EADTDB. 

POSTSCRIPT  FEOM  MY  LAST  BED. — I  have  never  found  a  safe  hand 
whereby  to  convey  my  history,  and  so  I  trust  it  to  Him  who  kept  the 
Book  of  the  Law  till  Ezra  found  it.  Kind  finder  send  it  thither. 


CONTENTS. 


MM 

Introductory  Letter  giving  an  account  of  the  Great  Discovery,          .        iii 

Letter  of  Dominie  de  Rainde  to  the  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate 

Church,  New  York,  dated  December,  1778,         .        .        .        .       vi 


BOOK   I. 

GIVING   AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  BLOODY  BRANDT'S  DESCENT  UPON   THE 

KAATSKILL    VLAATS,    OCTOBER,   1178,  WITH    OTHER   MATTERS 

KNOWN    ONLY    TO    THE    AUTHOR. 

CHAPTER  I. 
Uncertainty,     ••......•..17 

CHAPTER  IL 
Deep  Doubt,      ...;....*..      2? 

CHAPTER  IH. 
A  Harvest  Feast, .,        ..85 

CHAPTER  IV. 
The  Rescue,      ........  ..46 

CHAPTER  V. 
Doubting  Castle — Giant  Despair,  . ,   .        .        .        .  .        .      52 

CHAPTER  VL 
The  Eyelids  of  the  Morning, 68 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Revenge  is  Sweet, M 

U 


X  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Wars  and  Rumors  of  Wars, 78 

CHAPTER   IX. 
The  Depths  of  Satan, 92 

CHAPTER  X. 
The  Peru's  of  a  Pilgrimage 104 

CHAPTER  XL 
Samson  c|rrying  off  the  Gates  of  Gaza,    .        .        .        .        .        .118 

CHAPTER  XII. 
The  Brave  but  Bloody  Brandt,  .        .  • 127 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Blessed  are  the  Pure  in  Heart, 147 

CHAPTER   XIV. 
A  Trial  of  Faith  and  Fortitude,         »        .      ,  .        .        .        ,        .168 

CHAPTER  XV. 
The  Spectral  Looking-glass, .        .    172 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Queen  of  the  Mountain,    .        .        .        .        .        .        ,        .       .187 

BOOK   II. 

THE  BURNING  OF  SOPUS  AND  THE  IMMEDIATE   CONSEQUENCES  THEREOF. 

CHAPTER   I. 
The  Antediluvian  Debate  continued, .......     207 

CHAPTER  II. 

Love  Stronger  than  Death, 213 

CHAPTER  III. 
The  Sport  of  a  Fool,  casting  Firebrands,  Arrows  and  Dealt,     .        .     224 

CHAPTER  IV. 
More  Dangers  than  a  Battle, .  233 

CHAPTER  V. 

Darkness  Death  and  Deliverance, 253 


CONTENTS.  XI 

PAQV 

CHAPTER  VI. 
The  Pleasures  of  Suspense, 269 

CHAPTER  VII. 
A  Panther  or  a  Catamount, 270 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Fun,  Frolic  and  Folly,  finished  Soberly, 27 

CHAPTER  IX. 
A  Dutch  Dominie  at  Home,       ........     284 

BOOK   III. 

KTBGOYNE'S  FAILURE  ;   BEING  THE  REVELATION  OF  SECRET  CAUSES 
UNNOTICED  BY  THE  GREAT  HISTORIANS  OF  THE  TIMB 

CHAPTER  I. 
A  Prisoner  in  Disguise,  before  a  Tribunal  in  Disguise,       .  2i7 

CHAPTER  II. 
A  Masquerade, .    £08 

CHAPTER  IIL 
A  Wheel  within  a  Wheel, 316 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Judgment  and  Mercy  kissed,      ........    326 

CHAPTER  V. 
The  Marshalling  and  Marching  of  the  Mighty  to  the  Mountains,        .    336 

BOOK   IV. 

THE    FAILURE    OF    BRANDT  J    SHOWING   THE    STRENGTH    Of    INDIAN 
AMBITION  AND  REVENGE,  AND  HOW  THEY  WERE  FRUSTB^TSU). 

CHAPTER  I. 
Hunting  the  Lion  and  his  tawny  Whelps, 851 

CHAPTER  II. 
The  Head  in  the  Lion's  Mouth, 357 


Xil  CONTENTS. 

MM 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Africaii  Court-Martial, S6!> 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Revenge  is  Sweet, 870 

CHAPTER  V. 
The  Restless  Spirit, 882 

CHAPTER  VI. 
The  Last  Indian  Battle  on  the  River  Hudson,  1760,  ....    888 

CHAPTER  VII. 
A.  Human  Whirlpool, 402 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
The  Wings  of  a  Cherub,   ....        ^        ....    412 

CHAPTER  IX. 
The  Amphitheatre,    ..........    429 

CHAPTER  X. 
Fawn's  Leap, «...    434 

CHAPTER  XI. 
A.  Bridge  of  Gold  for  an  Enemy's  Retreat,        .....    43V 

CHAPTER  XIL 
Tears  *nd  Smiles, ...    448 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
The  ImBiO'tal  Soul, ,  456 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
The  Consummation  devoutly  to  be  wished,        ...  .     464 


BOOK    I. 

GIVING  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE 

BLOODY  BRANDT'S  DESCENT  UPON  THE  KAATSKILL  VLAATS. 

OOTOBHR,     1778, 
WITH  OTHER  MATTERS,   KNOWN  ONLY  TO  THE  AUTHOR. 


INTRODUCTION. 


To  read  this  book  with  profit  to  the  reader,  and  with 
justice  to  the  author,  it  would  be  to  the  advantage  of  both, 
were  a  survey  to  be  taken  of  the  region  where  the  scene  lies, 
on  which  such  great  events  have  transpired.  The  place  for 
this  will  be  that  gorge  in  the  mountain  that  lies  half  way  be- 
tween Elmira,  Caatsban,  and  old  Kaatskill.  There  is, 
when  it  is  reached,  a  paved  floor  of  stone.  Through  the 
crevices  therein  grows  up  innumerable  small  pines,  where  the 
bear  and  tbs  deer  find  refuge,  and  the  hunter  lodges  all  night 
for  his  prey.  Go  forward  to  the  brink  of  the  precipice,  and 
look  out,  where  all  New  England  stretches  before  you ;  then 
look  northward  and  southward,  where  the  Knickerbockers 
dwell. 

On  that  spot  where  you  stand  the  Indian  and  the  Tory  met 
to  hold  their  bloody  conclaves.  The  mountain  range  was  the 
dividing  line.  The  road  from  the  settlements  below,  to  Fort 
Niagara,  runs  over  the  hills  beneath  you  up  to  this  point, 
going  through  Unadilla  and  Scenedawa,  by  Queen  Catha- 
rine's County,  near  Lake  Ca-nun-da-saga. 

From  these  crags  the  savage  descended  upon  the  peaceable 
Boermen  of  the  vlatts  like  a  hungry  cormorant,  er  a  wolf  on 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

the  fold,  sweeping  the  Whigs  away  to  death  or  bondage. 
Should  the  time  ever  arrive  when  these  mountains  will  be 
trod  by  civilized  men,  let  them  not  forget  that  the  privilege 
of  looking  out  from  them  in  peace  has  been  bought  with  the 
blood  of  the  patriot. 


THE  DUTCH  DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    I. 

UNCERTAINTY. 

"  The  great  high  an'  low  have  but  two  prominent  virtues — patience  and  courage  "— 
SHERLOCK. 

IT  was  on  an  evening  of  October,  1778,  that  old  Martin 
Schuyler,  with  his  wife,  the  good  Angelica,  were  sitting 
musing  in  silence,  interrupted  only  by  the  ticking  of  the  old 
clock  in  the  corner,  that  had  told  the  course  of  time  to 
generations  before  Martin  himself  had  looked  up  on  the  sun, 
moon  or  stars.  So  well  had  its  present  possessor  become 
acquainted  with  the  solemn  regular  tick,  tack,  that  his  pulse 
and  his  thoughts  went  in  unison  with  the  venerable  time- 
piece. Slow  or  fast,  he  had  come  to  regard  the  mysterious 
machinery  of  his  soul  and  body  as  parts  of  the  same  creature 
within  the  mahogany  case,  so  that  whenever  anything  went 
wrong  with  the  one,  the  other  was  sure  to  be  out  of  order. 
The  Dominie,  who  was  the  only  doctor  in  his  parish,  knew 
this  fart  so  well,  that  when  he  came  on  a  spiritual  or  a  bodily 
visitation  he  was  sure  first  to  administer  to  the  soul,  then 
leave  some  medicine  for  the  stomach,  and  he  as  invariably 
set  about  putting  all  right  within  the  old  clock-case. 

This  essential  regulator  of  the  venerable  mansion  had  given 
warning  through  the  day  of  a  hectic  pulse,  which  brought 
on  midnight  before  the  natural  time,  making  the  old  man 
give  an  unusual  start  as  the  hammer  struck  twelve.  H«  had 
just  finished  his  second  pipe,  and  was  pushing  his  finger  and 


18  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

thumb  into  his  bladder  bag  for  a  new  supply  when  he  found 
time  to  say : 

"Anshela,  vat's  dat  de  Dominee  said  bou:  te  spy  in  te 
camp,  an  sarch  out  te  men  in  te  city  ?" 

"  Awee,"  was  the  quiet  answer  of  the  vrow,  for  she  per- 
ceived that  her  go'od  man's  mind  was  excited  or  disturbed, 
and  she  wished  to  allay  his  troubles  rather  than  increase 
them ;  "  te  Dominee  meant  te  king  of  the  Jews  finding  te 
men  dat  ver  'gainst  him.'* 

"Ha!  te  Dominee,  Schunernan,  is  a  very  canning  man, 
and  meant  to  give  Jake  Overpagh  a  hit  wid  his  gad ;  for  I 
saw  dat  he  looked  straight  in  te  rascal's  face,  dat  made  him 
bring  down  his  impudent  head  like  a  shot  duck." 

Old  Martin  chuckled  at  his  own  jest,  and  waited  to  hear 
what  his  vrow  would  say  to  his  conjecture. 

But  Angelica,  with  true  woman's  wit,  knew  that  she  was 
on  dangerous  ground  when  her  companion's  peace  had  been 
disturbed  before,  and  she  merely  said  :  "  Te  Dominie  drew 
his  bow  at  a  venture,  and  it  might  pierce  Jake  between  te 
joints  of  te  harness." 

"  I  wish  to  te  Lord,"  said  the  husband,  with  more  haste  than 
usual,  "  dat  I  could  speak  to  te  skitimylink  through  old  Peg 
dere,  and  a  hole  would  be  made  big  enough  to  let  te  light  in 
dat  would  make  him  spy  from  te  toder  world  rayther  than 
round  Whig  doors." 

"Whish!  whish!"  said  the  anxious  vrow,  "stone  Avails 
have  ears ;  better,  Martin,  to  have  a  close  niout'  than  an  open 
skull." 

All  this  time,  while  this  unusually  long  conversation  was 
going  on,  the  one  was  preparing  his  pipe,  and  the  other 
knitting  quietly  at  the  ether  side  of  the  long  chimney,  in 
which  smoldered  the  remains  of  what  had  been  a  proportion- 
ably  large  fire,  now  left  to  sink  into  red  coals.  All  was  quiut 
in  the  other  parts  of  the  capacious  dwelling  ;  cattle  and 
negroes  had  alike  been  cared  for,  and  the  hour  for  that 
worthy  pair  to  retire  had  nearJv  come.  Conversation 
between  the  two  was  rather  a  luxury  than  a  common  indulg- 
ence. Like  the  two  buckets  of  their  own  deep  well,  when 
the  one  was  up,  it  was  always  left  full  on  the  curb  ready  for 
use,  and  the  other  w;is  sunk  into  the  profundity  beneath,  and 
though  it  took  some  time  to  bring  it  up,  it  was  fresh  for 
household  service :  it  was  always  there  when  the  traveller 
came,  and  welcome  for  his  horse  or  himself.  The  bucket 
never  came  up  empty. 


UNCERTAINTY.  19 

The  old  Boermari  gave  a  sudden  start,  as  if  something  had 
struck  him.  Angelica  saw  that  he  was  alarmed  through 
some  cause  without  doors.  She  was  well  acquainted  with 
the  habits  of  her  husband,  and  knew  all  the  circumstances  of 
the  country  sufficiently  well  to  enter  immediately  into  the 
feeling  of  the  occasion.  He  was  not  a  man  to  be  frightened 
at  a  shadow,  nor  was  she  unprepared  for  the  exigencies  of 
the  period.  When  Martin,  after  cautiously  looking  up  to 
the  window,  rose  slowly  on  his  feet,  and  stepped  to  the  stair 
that  went  up  to  the  chamber,  lifting  old  Peg,  as  he  passed, 
from  her  resting-place  on  the  wooden  hooks  fixed  in  the 
joists  over  head,  the  careful  vrow  ceased  even  to  breathe, 
sitting  as  still  on  her  stool  as  if  she  was  stone ;  then,  with  an 
equally  cautious  step,  followed  her  husband  up  the  steps,  both 
that  she  might  aid  him  and  obtain  information,  or  give  counsel. 
The  house  was  one  ot  those  heavy  stone  structures,  that 
seemed  built  more  as  towers  of  defence  than  as  places  for 
comfort ;  the  walls  three  feet  thick,  with  small  windows, 
like  ancient  shot-holes,  covered  with  heavy  shutters,  which, 
in  the  windy  seasons,  slamned  like  the  gates  of  a  sepulchre, 
and  as  dolefully  loud. 

Close  by  one  of  these  in  the  dark,  Martin  stood  peering 
out,  when  Angelica  joined  her  sight  to  his  ;  and  thinking 
herself  the  first  to  perceive  the  cause  of  ala?'m,  she  whispered 
too  loud,  "  Vat's  dat  dere,  1100  ?" 

Martin  had  seen  it,  but  durst  not  breathe  of  it  lest  the  ear 
of  some  one  wotild  catch  the  sound ;  and,  turning  around,  he 
gave  his  good  vrow  a  piach  on  the  arm,  which  was  neither 
love  nor  hate.  Pointing  with  his  finger,  he  directed  An- 
gelica's eye  to  some  living  thing  moving  between  them  and  a 
grey  rock  that  stood  but  a  short  distance  from  the  house ; 
and  nearer  to  them  another  of  the  same  kind  of  shadows. 
Their  blood  ran  quicker  as  that  last  object  assured  them 
both  that  it  was  a  human  form.  Danger  was  abroad !  All 
their  negroes  were  asleep ;  no  friendly  person  would  be 
prowling  around  a  house  at  such  an  hour.  Massacres  had 
been  common;  the  Indians  were  on  the  hills,  and  the  Tories 
had  marked  old  Martin  for  their  prey.  His  very  name, 
SCHUYLER,  was  enough  to  render  hiv-i  obnoxious  to  the  whole 
race.  He  loved  his  country,  and  had  ventured  to  take  the 
side  he  felt  was  right ;  but  he  was  a  man,  a  husband,  and  a 
father. 

"  The  teeken  vuur  is  blazing  on  the  Kekute,"  whispered  the 
trembling  wife,  as  she  came  from  looking  towards  the  east 


20  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

Martin's  courage  rose  as  he  saw  the  acknowledged  signal 
His  friends  were  aware  of  danger  being  abroad ;  but  here 
was  something  which  came  under  his  immediate  inspection. 
Spies  were  around  his  house.  Cool  by  nature,  and  rendered 
cautious  through  long  experience  in  the  woods  and  on  the 
hills,  neither  animal  nor  Indian  could  double  him,  when  once 
upon  the  alert.  His  own  cunning  was  his  greatest  danger. 
He  had  fallen  occasionally  into  his  own  trap ;  and  trusted 
more  to  the  judgment  of  his  family  than  he  was  willing  to 
confess. 

"  Where's  Elsie  ?"  he  whispered  to  the  wife.  She  was  their 
only  child,  and  had,  in  the  lack  of  sons,  become  the  chief  stay 
of  her  parents  in  their  declining  years.  Vigorous,  prudent, 
and  prompt  in  all  her  actions,  she  was  equal  to  any  young 
man  in  a  case  of  emergency.  It  was  therefore  with  some 
mortification  and  sinking  of  the  heart,  that  he  heard  the 
mother  say : 

"Elsie,  O  the  Lamashee  has  gone  to  the  husking  at  the 
Bught.  Take  Ca3sar  wit  thee  ;  he  is  strong,  and  faithful ; 
I'll  go  and  waken  him." 

"  Stay  1  stay !  do  not  ruin  us ;  dese  blacks  are  sich  cowardly 
critters,  I  would  as  soon  take  one  of  the  ox  steers  wid  me 
in  the  dark,  I  must  go  myself." 

After  he  had  said  this,  they  came  and  sat  down  on  the 
same  place  where  we  found  him  beside  the  tire,  and  com- 
posedly smoked  the  pipe  he  had  began  to  fi!l  when  he  was 
first  disturbed.  This  was  his  manner  when  his  brain  was 
foggy ;  he  saw  his  way  best  when  the  smoke  whirled  thickest 
around  him ;  and  as  he  feared  it  might  be  some  time  before 
he  obtained  more  of  this  necessary  of  life,  his  first  resolution 
was  to  puff  a  supply.  By  the  time  he  was  through,  his  mind 
was  made  up.  Angelica  had  been  anticipating  the  wrho!e  re- 
Biilt ;  and  while  the  smoke  became  slow  and  regular,  she  had 
gathered  up  some  olecakes  and  rusk,  thrusting  them  into 
his  ample  pockets  ;  filling  his  horn  with  dry  powder ;  count- 
ing out  twenty  bullets,  and  some  buck-shot,  which  she  de- 
posited in  the  same  place ;  brought  a  worsted  cap  of  her  own 
working,  which  she  drew  upon  his  head  well  over  his  ears ; 
which  he  pushed  up  in  an  instant ;  and  doing  all  this  without 
a  word,  she  sat  down,  bending  her  head  forward  on  her 
hands,  seeming  to  be  in  the  act  of  silent  prayer :  which  was 
evidently  understood  by  the  musing  Dutchman;  for  he 
ceased  to  puff  except  in  the  most  silent  stream,  that  rose 
more  as  incense  than  as  indulgence.  Not  a  word  had  been 


UNCERTAINTY.  21 

ottered  by  them  since  they  came  from  the  chamber  above, 
and  the  house  had  been  made  long  since  proof  against  all 
peering  eyes ;  so  that  Martin  only  waited  the  proper  time  to 
go  out ;  but  that  could  not  be  till  he  was  sure  that  the  ma- 
rauders had  gone  from  the  dwelling. 

The  house,  as  we  have  hinted,  was  large  and  solid  as  all  the 
mansions  are,  except  where  the  New  England  leaven  has 
changed  the  taste  of  some  rebellious  youth,  who  was  deter- 
mined to  ignore  his  Dutch  origin.  Martin  Sclmyler  was  not 
of  that  tribe.  His  father  had  built  one  side  of  the  house, 
with  the  evident  forethought,  that  his  posterity  to  the  fourth 
and  fifth  generation  should  continue  to  add  to  it ;  and  our 
friend  had  done  his  share  by  raising  wings  larger  than  the 
original  body,  which  was  distinguished  from  the  rest  by  being 
a  few  feet  lower  than  the  new  sides.  So  that  the  house  re- 
sembled some  old  men  we  have  seen,  whose  head  had  sunk 
considerably  beneath  their  shoulders,  while  their  larger  rear, 
required  all  the  room  that  could  be  spared  to  them.  It  was 
literally  so  of  Martin's  dwelling  built  on  a  side  hill,  and  so 
strong  itself,  it  was  hard  to  say  whether  the  hill  or  the  house 
was  the  most  crowded.  No  matter,  the  high  ground  behind 
served  a  good  purpose  in  these  times  of  public  tumult,  when 
life  and  property  were  in  such  danger.  A  cave  had  been 
originally  dug  in  the  hill,  to  serve  as  a  root-house:  this 
suggested  the  idea  of  a  hiding-place,  which  had  been  carried 
still  further  into  the  interior.  Indeed  so  far,  that  a  passage- 
way had  been  made  sufficiently  wide  for  a  person  to  worm 
his  way  to  an  opening  on  the  south  side  of  the  house.  Into 
that  receptacle,  long  since  all  the  silver  plate  of  Holland  ma- 
nufacture, all  the  milledoleors  which  Martin  had  saved,  the 
China  intended  for  Elsie,  a  castle  of  quilted  work,  indeed 
everything  that  could  be  dispensed  with  out  of  the  house  ; 
so  that  surprise,  was  not  to  be  so  great  if  it  did  come  at  all, 
upon  such  cautious  and  cool  heads.  If  there  was  aught  neg- 
lected, it  was  more  through  too  much  care  than  too  little. 
As  in  the  case  of  the  house  being  burned  or  surrounded,  and 
they  forced  to  flee,  ready  money  was  essential,  so  a  round 
hole  had  been  dug  in  the  meadow  below,  out  of  which  a 
piece  of  turf  was  carefully  taken,  the  earth  removed, 
and  a  pot  of  silver  coin  put  in,  all  so  well  done,  that  Martin 
declared  at  the  end  of  his  life,  he  could  "  never  find  out  the 
place  himself  to  this  day." 

A  few  pantomime  signs  were  only  passed  between  the  two. 
Angelica  was  preparing  for  retreat  if  necessary,  and  Marti u 


22  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

for  defence,  when  a  slight  noise  was  distinctly  heard,  as  if 
some  one  had  missed  a  footing,  and  had  put  out  a  hand  to  re- 
cover himself.  Neither  of  the  two  moved  a  muscle,  but  their 
senses  were  now  fully  awakened  to  danger.  "  O,  if  Elsie 
were  only  here,"  was  the  internal  wish  of  the  anxious  man. 
So  rising  slowly  and  quietly  from  his  seat,  he  stepped  into 
the  back  part  of  the  house,  through  a  panel  which  served 
as  a  door  that  opened  at  his  touch.  Angelica  following  to 
receive  and  give  counsel. 

'*  Where  is  Elsie  said  you,  Anshela  ?" 

"  Down  in  the  Bught  at  a  husking  bee,"  was  the  quiet  and 
subdued  reply  ;  for  the  good  wife  and  mother  saw  plainly 
that  her  husband  was  troubled.  "  Let  me  go  out  with  you  ; 
four  eyes  are  better  than  two  ;  and  you  know  that  I  have 
both  caution  and  courage  to  meet  any  danger,  when  you  are 
beside  me." 

"You  speak  like  one  of  the  foolish  women,  Anshela.  lam 
only  going  to  watch,  not  to  fight — if  I  can  help  it.  I  shah1 
go  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  return  in  an  hour,  but  if  not, 
send  Elsie  to  meet  me  on  the  Sout  Mountain." 

"  On  the  Sout  Mountain !"  the  careful  wife  exclaimed ;  "  why 
not  rather  light  the  teeken  vuur  and  gather  our  friends  ?" 

"  Vrow  !  Vrow  !"  whispered  Martin  with  great  vehemence, 
before  any  friends  could  be  here,  our  scalps  would  be  reeking 
in  that  savage  Kiskataam's  fingers,  our  grey  hairs  twisted  to- 
gether. No,  I  must  watch  the  redskin  and  see  what  deviltry 
he  is  up  to,  and  trap  him  in  his  den.  Elsie  is  the  only  one 
that  can  help  me  at  this  hour.  You  stay  here  quietly.  There 
are  only  two  of  them.  They  are  waiting  till  we  sleep,  and 
then  they  will  go  to  the  flat  rock  and  light  their  warning 
fire.  Ha!  ha!  cunning  dogs.  Martin  is  before  you  !  Catch 
a  squirrel  sleeping.  Thanks  to  Peet,  for  all  that  I  know." 
The  farmer  and  the  hunter  chuckled  at  the  thought  of  out- 
witting Kiskataam,  the  Wild-cat,  upon  his  own  ground,  the 
Kaatskills. 

There  was  no  more  difficulty  in  bringing  Angelica  to  agree 
to  the  plan.  She  was  well  aware  that  her  careful  husband 
possessed  means  of  information  which  he  kept  to  himself. 
So  with  a  few  more  olecakes,  and  some  quiet  blessings,  and 
prayers  on  his  safety,  she  saw  him  crawl  on  his  hands  and 
knees  through  the  narrow  passage  leaving  her  to  close  all 
up  as  quietly,  and  as  closely  as  possible,  without  calling  up 
any  of  the  negro  men,  who  were  all  asleep  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  house,  in  what  is  called  the  cellar  kitchen. 


UNCERTAINTY.  23 

Martin  emerged  from  his  underground  journey  like  a  rab' 
bit  that  has  found  itself  in  the  wide  world,  ready  to  return  to 
its  burrow  quickly  should  danger  be  near.  He  lay  still  for 
at  least  five  minutes,  listening  till  he  became  familiarized  with 
the  silence  and  the  darkness  around  him ;  when  he  gradually 
rose  upright,  standing  so  still  that  he  seemed  but  one  of  the 
stumps  of  the  field.  Taking  a  wide  circuit  from  his  own 
house,  he  sought  a  patch  of  wood  through  which  there  was 
a  cow  path,  guessing  that  the  spies  around  him  would  tako 
that  on  their  way  to  their  accustomed  rendezvous.  Nor  was 
he  mistaken,  for,  after  waiting  patiently  a  full  hour,  he  heard 
footsteps  distinctly,  coming  behind  him.  He  would  have 
been  at  a  loss  to  tell  whether  it  was  man  or  animal,  had  he 
not  also  heard  a  human  voice,  which  became  more  audible, 
but  to  him  more  mysterious,  the  nearer  as  it  approached. 
Now  it  was  the  low  guttural  tones  of  an  Indian  ;  and  again 
it  seemed  something  else  ;  but  neither  Indian  nor  Dutch. 
Here  was  something  of  which  he  had  not  dreamed.  His 
secret  informant  of  yesterday  had  not  hinted  of  any  one  but 
Indian.  Till  now,  he  had  been  comparatively  calm,  for  his 
experience  had  taught  him  that  it  was  easier  to  circumvent 
ten  Indians,  than  one  true  and  determined  white  man  of  ex- 
perience. But,  judge  of  the  still  greater  surprise  of  our 
watcher,  when  he  heard  distinctly,  the  tones  of  the  English 
tongue  ;  and  that  of  a  young  woman.  He  started  to  his  feet 
with  an  alertness  the  reverse  of  his  previous  sluggishness. 
Martin's  acquaintance  with  the  world  of  Albany,  and  of  Man- 
hattan Island  had  been  frequent,  among  his  own  near  rela- 
tives, who  were  of  the  first  quality  in  the  colony  ;  enabling 
him  to  judge  at  once  of  these  tones,  and  of  the  distinct  words 
uttered  ;  assuring  him  that  this  Avas  a  woman  of  polished  life 
and  language.  Why  brought  hither  to  these  wild  regions  F: 
He  lay  down  again,  waiting  for  the  persons  to  pass  by ;  but 
BO  near  that  he  might  obtain  a  perfect  view  of  their  forms, 
and,  if  possible,  guess  into  the  mystery.  As  the  Indian  Kis- 
kataam  passed,  carrying  in  his  arms  a  young  female,  who  was 
beseeching  him  to  tell  her  why  be  was  taking  her  through 
these  woods.  The  heart  of  the  honest  Dutchman  leaped  to 
his  throat,  as  he  drew  forward  old  Peg,  with  her  muzzle  al- 
most touching  the  mean  catiffthat  passed  him;  and  but  for 
the  one  he  shielded  himself  behind,  an  ounce  of  lead  would 
have  decided  his  fate.  But  he  was  allowed  to  pass,  while  tho 
name,  "Mother!  oh,  my  dear  mother !"  and  another  name, 


24  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

which  Martin  could  not  hear  distinctly,  rung  in  his  ear,  call- 
ing upon  him  for  help. 

"And  help  you  shall  have,  my  strange  lamishee,"  said  the 
tender  father.  "  My  own  Elshie  may  be  the  next,  and  how- 
could  I  come  back  to  Anshela,  if  I  saw  our  own  daughter 
dragged  off  in  that  way.  The  murderous  savage  that  he  is, 
I  have  long  determined  to  give  him  the  contents  of  Peg ;  and 
now  is  my  time.  No ;  now  is  his  time ;  I  will  follow  him 
and  watch  my  chance.  The  dear  lady,  though  she  be  of  the 
English  blood,  must  be  set  free,  though  the  blood  of  Kiska- 
taam  flows  for  it." 

The  really  excited  Boerman  was  just  about  to  rise,  when 
there  passed  by  on  the  same  path,  but  in  far  quieter  motion, 
another  of  the  same  race  leading  a  dog  by  a  bark  string.  At 
the  sight  of  the  man  and  beast,  Martin  ground  his  teeth  with 
inward  rage. 

"  Dunder  and  blitzen,  were  the  Dominie  here  himself  he 
would  zweert,  I  will  say — duivil.  There  is  that  duivil  Shan- 
daagan  carrying  off  Rover,  and  here  I  must  He  still  and  see 
all." 

They  who  knew  all  would  have  pardoned  the  good  Dutch- 
man ;  even  his  swearing,  when  they  reflected  on  the  mean 
character  of  this  second  Indian,  and  the  provocation  he  had 
given  to  Martin  before  and  now.  He  was  one  of  those  off- 
scourings of  the  race  who  proved  false  to  all  he  pretended  to 
serve.  At  this  very  time,  he  was  pretending  to  be  on  the 
side  of  the  Whigs.  It  was  but  the  day  before  that  he  had 
been  to  the  Hoogenhuisen,  and  seemed  to  be  on  the  most 
friendly  terms  with  all ;  yet,  he  had  not  said  a  word  of  this 
coming  adventure,  of  which  he  was  surely  awaj-e  ;  and  this 
decoying  of  the  dog  Rover  away,  was  proof  positive  01 
treachery. 

"  Ah,"  said  the  mortified  Martin  to  himself,  "  ever  since 
that  time  Elsie  caused  contempt  on  his  chieftainship,  I  have 
seen  his  secret  revenge  working ;  and  now  he  thinks  he  has 
made  himself  sure,  as  the  Dominie  says,  '  de  Heeve  wil  en 
wij  leven  zullen  zoo  zullen  wij  dit  of  dat  doen.' " 

For  these  aggravating  mortifications  he  had  this  to  make 
amends,  that  Rover  did  not  scent  him  out,  when  as  he 
passed  the  place  his  master  lay  hidden ;  but  went,  seemingly 
as  if  aware,  that  both  should  bide  their  time.  It  was  an 
augury  to  him  for  good ;  and  as  he  was  now  sure  of  their 
destination,  and  had  come  upon  their  trail  sufficiently,  he  was 


UNCERTAINTY.  25 

in  no  haste  to  pursue,  but  made  up  his  mind  to  go  slowly  on 
and  watch  their  motions ;  Availing  for  Elsie,  who  he  was 
certain  would  meet  him  at  the  appointed  place  in  time  for  the 
execution  of  any  plan  he  could  devise,  which  would  set  the 
feeble  captive  at  liberty,  and  rid  the  world,  if  possible,  of 
these  two  fiends,  now  bent  on  the  destruction  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  region. 

"  They  have  gone  to  the  pine  orchard  to  prepare  for  that 
hellish  congregation  that's  coming.  Bloody  wolves ;  they 
have  tasted  blood  at  Wyoming,  and  now  we  are  to  expect  no 
better  fate.  That  hell-hound,  Shandaagan,  has  known  all  as 
well  as  myself,  and  his  hunting  around  has  been  that  he  might 
lay  his  traps  all  the  more  secret  and  sm-e.  The  Hoegen- 
huisea  will  be  among  the  first.  They  did  not  try  it  to-night. 
They  have  got  other  fish 'to  fry.  Maybe  that  is  only  bait 
they  are  carrying ;"  and  the  hunter  grinned  a  grim  smile  at 
his  own  wit. 

Taking  a  winding  direction  westward,  Martin  proceeded 
with  perfect  confidence  of  finding  the  skulking  place  of  the 
party.  Measuring  his  speed  according  to  his  knowledge  of 
the  length  of  road  he  had  to  travel,  he  was  in  no  hurry,  as 
any  step  he  took  was  on  ground  as  familiar  to  his  foot,  as  the 
tiirnings  of  his  own  yard.  His  care  was  to  keep  sufficiently 
far  out  of  the  way  not  to  be  heard  by  the  Indians  on  the  one 
hand,  and  on  the  other  to  cautiously  look  around  him,  lest 
he  might  stumble  on  some  stragglers  of  the  party.  The 
mystery  of  the  English  lady  made  him  timorous.  He  had  a 
certain  intuitive  perception  that  trouble  was  to  arise  out  of 
that  occurrence,  to  others,  if  not  to  himself.  Crossing  the 
Kaaterskill  stream  a  mile  above  the  opening  of  the  clove,  he 
left  his  own  house  to  the  south  of  him,  and  proceeded  up  the 
side  of  the  hill  which  lies  to  the  south  ;  when,  after  an  hour's 
ascending  travel,  he  reached  Pudding-stone  Hah1,  and  sat 
down  upon  a  slanting  rock,  that  seems  to  have  been  placed 
there  by  some  ancient  Druid :  for  none  but  the  beings  who 
raised  Stonehenge  on  their  nice  balance,  could  now  put  that 
stone  on  its  sloping  position.  Martin  had  frequently,  from 
his  boyhood,  sat  on  the  same  stone  at  all  hours  of  the  day, 
and  of  the  night,  and  wondered  how  it  eame  there ;  and  how 
it  hung  there,  and  how  long  it  had  lain  so  ;  but  now  he  had 
other  thoughts  to  occupy  his  mind ;  for  just  as  truly  as  he 
had  conjectured,  there  were  the  very  persons  who  had  passed 
him  by,  now  on  the  flat  rock.  The  Indians  were  sitting  be- 
fore a  bright  burning  fire ;  and  near  it  was  raised  one  of 


26  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE 

those  wigwams,  which  all  who  live  in  the  woods  know  how 
to  raise  "in  a  twinkling  of  time.  Still  there  was  something 
about  the  whole  scene  here,  which  made  the  careful  hunter 
feel  insecure.  That  bower  was  more  tastefully  raised  than 
the  red  man  ever  did  such  work  ;  and  the  building  of  the  lire 
was  not  after  the  fashion  of  that  thoughtless  race,  but  care 
fully  made  of  dried  wood,  not  found  in  the  immediate  neigh- 
borhood. The  experienced  eye  of  the  unseen  observer  could 
discern  other  evidences  of  a  superintendence  which  amazed 
and  stultified  his  senses. 

"God  in  de  hemelin  verlichte  mijne  oogen !"  Martin 
prayed  in  his  own  tongue  for  light  to  his  eyes ;  then  almost 
out  of  breath  in  his  anxiety,  he  said :  "  Oh,  if  Elshie  were  but 
here  now,  she  could  explain  the  meaning  of  these  things." 

In  the  meantime,  he  was  too  wise  a  man,  and  had  been  in 
too  many  different  places,  to  let  any  chance  pass,  without  in- 
forming himself  concerning  the  actual  state  of  things.  Being 
on  a  height  which  overlooked  all  that  was  doing  on  the  rock 
below,  it  was  easy  to  see  all  that  was  moving ;  and  lest  there 
might  be  some  prying  eyes  around,  he  lay  Hat  upon  the  face 
of  that  leaning  rock,  with  old  Peg  by  his  side,  watching  the 
chances  which  might  ccuie  up.  After  he  had  satisfied  himself 
that  no  being  was  in  his  own  immediate  neighborhood,  he 
took  a  different  position  in  hope  that  new  background  might 
discover  some  wandering  shadow ;  but  there  were  still  the 
same  Indian  faces ;  and  that  of  the  young  pale-face,  which 
he  could  see  plainly  in  the  flickering  glow  of  the  fire  as  ii 
rose  and  fell.  Never  was  a  man  more  puzzled  to  account  for 
all  these  things.  Here  was  a  captive,  and  she  could  not  be 
a  Whig's  daughter,  judging  from  her  English  accent  and 
foreign  style  of  speech  ;  and  yet  Kiskataam  was  in  the  pay 
of  the  king.  Had  he  since  thought  of  turning  to  the  other 
side,  making  this  the  price  of  his  double  treachery  ? 

"  He  shall  not  succeed,"  said  the  excited  Martin,  with  a 
vehemence  which  nearly  cost  him  his  life  ;  for  standing  as  ho 
did  so  near  to  the  verge  of  the  crag,  he  pushed  with  his  feet 
BO  hard  that  a  loose  rock  gave  way,  falling  to  the  bottom  of 
the  precipice,  over  which,  in  the  dark,  he  might  have  been 
hurled  to  his  destruction.  The  noise  reverberating  through 
those  wild  hills  in  the  night,  roused  up  the  beasts  below  from 
their  lairs,  and  the  party  above  were  evidently  much  alarmed  ; 
for  when  Martin  recovered  himself,  he  saw  that  the  two  In- 
dians were  standing  both  upright  like  sentinels,  ready  for  an 
attack.  However,  soon  discovering  the  seeming  cause  of  thw 


DEEP   DOUBT.  2  I 

interrupted    silence,  they  sank  back  to  their  usual  somno- 
lence. 

Our  white  sentinel  on  the  hill  had  made  up  his  mind  to  a 
plan,  jusifas  soon  as  he  could  obtain  his  expected  help,  which 
he  thought  must  be  near  at  hand  ;  and  with  that  in  view,  he 
took  the  most  prominent  point  of  Puddingstone  Hail, 
where  he  stood  like  one  of  the  black  stumps  of  a  tree,  which 
even  an  Indian  could  not  distinguish  him  from  in  the  dark. 


CHAPTER   II. 

DEEP   DOUBT. 

"  Experience  will  show  that  as  want  of  appetite  supposes,  and  proceeds  from  some  bodily 
disease,  so  the  apathy  the  stoics  talk  of  as  much  supposes,  or  is  accompanied  with  some* 
what  amiss  in  the  moral  character,  in  that  which  is  the  health  of  the  mind." — Bisuor 
BUTLER. 

MARTIN,  though  almost  in  agony  for  his  daughter,  never 
took  his  eyes  oft"  the  wigwam.  A  fluttering  leaf  or  the  move- 
ment of  an  animal  might  arrest  his  mind  unconsciously,  still 
he  never  turned  his  thoughts  on  anything  fixedly,  so  as  to  be 
moved  aside  from  the  object  before  him.  He  was  certain 
now  that  the  two  Indians  were  only  the  instruments  and  ont- 
side  actors  in  this  drama,  and  his  desire  was  increasing  with 
every  beating  of  his  pulse  to  see  the  hand  behind  the  scenes ; 
so  eager  did  he  become,  that  he  forgot  that  Elsie  might  ar- 
rive and  not  find  him  in  the  appointed  place.  He  was 
drawing  nearer  and  nearer  all  the  time,  fearful  lest  anything 
might  escape  his  notice.  He  heard  voices,  but  could  not 
discern,  at  the  distance  he  stood  away,  what  was  said.  This 
induced  him  to  step  onward,  till  he  found  himself  so  near 
that  he  could  distinctly  perceive  on  one  occasion  the  captive 
sitting  up,  while  the  ruddy  glow  of  the  fire  showed  him  suf- 
ficient of  her  countenance  to  satisfy  him  that  she  was  none 
of  the  maidens  of  the  colony  around,  but  one  of  those  that 
he  had  seen  riding  out  on  the  roads  round  Albany,  who  were 
birds  of  passage,  gay  in  plumage  and  full  of  lite,  never  in- 
tending to  make  this  land  their  home.  "Ruddy,  and  of  a 
fair  countenance,"  as  the  Dominie  would  say,  though  Martin 
inwardly  thought  "  she  has  been  stolen  by  this  sinner,  at  the 


28  THK    DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

bidding  of  those  wicked  profligates  that  follow  these  Mi 
doves  as  the  hawks  do  their  prey." 

"  She  is  no  child  neither,  as  I  am  a  Schuyler,  and  as  gooa 
blood  as  ever  came  from  Holland ;  a  lady  of  at  least  nineteen 
is  she  that  walks  out  there  before  the  fire,  and  she  is  talking 
just  now  to  the  Indian.  I  Avish  I  could  but  hear  her  once. 
Yes,  poor  lamishie,  you  may  well  look  out  on  that  black 
sky,  made  darker  by  the  very  fire  now  in  your  eyes,  for  woe 
to  thee,  an  unknown  end  is  before  thee." 

With  the  true  hunter  spirit,  the  watcher  was  drawing 
closer  and  closer,  so  as  to  have  a  perfect  view  and  reach  his 
game  in  the  best  advantage.  He  could  have  brought  down 
one  of  those  dark  shadows  that  stood  before  him  on  the  flat 
rock  with  ease  ;  the  other  he  could  meet  singly  without  hesi- 
tation, but  there  were  others  here,  and  with  white  faces. 

He  was  noAV  so  near  that  he  could  hear  words  indistinctly, 
and  might  have  pressed  closer,  in  his  eagerness,  but  at  this 
instant  he  was  startled  by  something  in  his  rear  moving  the 
shrubs  close  to  the  ground.  He  looked  through  the  dark- 
ness, with  the  glare  of  the  fire  in  his  eyes,  seeing  nothing  till 
he  had  time  to  recover  from  the  effect  of  the  light,  and  then 
saw  distinctly  two  small  tails  of  fire,  so  near  to  one  another 
that  he  instantly  felt  that  they  must  be  the  eyes  of  some 
animal  about  to  spring  upon  him.  His  first  motion  was  to 
lift  Peg  into  her  defensive  position,  but  listening,  with  all  his 
senses  a\vake,  he  soon  heard — what  he  had  frequently  heard 
before  when  lie  hunted  on  these  mountains — the  snuffing  of  a 
deer,  attracted  by  the  light,  and  thereby  blinded  to  its  own 
danger.  Martin  had  been  out  on  the  little  lakes  near  this  very 
place  in  his  canoe,  burning  pitch-pine  knots  on  the  prow  for 
the  very  purpose  of  bringing  the  deer  to  him,  and  now  one 
comes  when  he  would  have  preferred  to  have  it  anywhere 
else.  The  pleasure  and  keenness  of  the  hunter  all  but  over- 
came his  prudence,  for  his  fingers  tingled  with  the  desire  of 
bringing  those  noble  six-tined  antlers  to  the  ground ;  but 
merely  giving  a  side  motion  he  alarmed  thf  creature,  so  that 
it  ran  past  the  place  where  the  Indians  lay.  They  both  sprang 
up  with  an  alacrity  little  short  of  the  deer  himself,  rushing 
after  him  with  an  agility  not  surprising  to  one  who  knew 
their  habits  and  modes  of  life.  Their  natural  love  of  eport, 
and  their  appetite,  made  keen  by  a  whole  day's  travel,  caused 
them  to  forget  for  the  time  the  captive  they  had  been  watch- 
ing over  with  so  much. assiduity  all  the  night. 

Martin  felt  that  now  was  his  time,  and  had  already  moved 


DEEP   DOUBT.  29 

a  few  steps  forward  to  seize  the  trembling  maiden,  who  wais 
herself  in  motion  to  rush,  she  knew  not  whither,  when  there 
stepped  out  from  the  dark  cover  a  new  actor  in  the  scone, 
who  placed  himself  before  her,  saying,  with  some  excitement 
in  his  voice  and  manner,  bending  at  the  same  time  on  his 
right  knee,  as  he  seized  her  hand :  "  Dearest  Margaret,  I  have 
fulfilled  my  promise  made  a  year  ago." 

The  lady  drew  her  hand  from  the  grasp  of  the  intruder,  as 
if  she  had  been  stung  by  a  snake,  and  darted  to  the  other 
side  of  the  fire  with  the  fleetness  of  the  deer  that  had  just 
passed  that  \va,y.  At  the  same  time  she  gave  a  scream  which 
echoed,  and  reechoed,  among  the  rocks  and  hills,  'till  it 
seemed  as  if  a  hundred  captive  damsels  were  shrieking  to 
their  friends  for  deliverance.  She  would  have  rushed  on,  but 
now  the  man,  who  had  been  put  aside  so  easily,  rushed  with 
an  equal  ardor,  exclaiming:  "For  the  love  of  God,  Miss 

,  do  not  go  further  or  you  will  fall  over  the  shelf  and 

be  dashed  to  pieces." 

By  this  time  he  had  hold  of  the  exhausted  girl,  who  gasped 
out :  "  O,  why  did  I  not  know  that  I  was  so  near  to  liberty, 
one  leap  and — and  all  would  have  been  over.  Let  me  go, 
touch  me  not  with  that  foul  hand ;  and  if  you  will  not,  tell 
me  why  I  am  brought  hither — for  now  I  see  who  has  been  the 
cause  of  this  wicked  treachery.  Let  me  die." 

"  Miss  Margaret,  you  do  me  wrong,  if  you  suppose  that 
you  are  here  through  any  desire  to  injure  you.  I  mean  the 
best  that  man  can  do  for  woman  ;  and  if  you  be  patient  and 
calm,  you  will  hear  it  all." 

"  No,  I  will  not  listen  to  your  false  tongue ;"  and  with 
that  she  shook  herself  free  of  the  hold  of  him  who  stood  be- 
fore the  angry  girl,  as  Martin  had  seen  a  strong  dog,  who, 
having  encountered  a  wild  cat,  is  fain  to  stand  oif  at  a  respect- 
able distance,  watching  for  a  retreat.  Abashed  at  the  charge 
of  treachery,  yet  mad  at  the  epithet  false;  and  afraid,  lest 
by  some  sudden  movement  the  excited  woman  should  rush 
into  destruction,  the  man  stood  more  like  a  culprit,  than  as 
the  director  in  some  daring  enterprise,  which  had  doubtless 
required  great  tact  and  decision  to  bring  it  to  its  present 
crisis.  Some  new  occurrence,  it  was  evident,  might  disap- 
point him  in  his  plans.  He  had  succeeded  in  his  end  so  far  ; 
but  he  was  utterly  at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  do  with  the 
prize  for  which  he  had  played  so  high  a  part,  up  to  this  time- 
Martin  seeing  this,  was  measuring  the  distance  between  him- 
self and  the  traitor — for  so  he  already  regarded  the  man  who 


30  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

yns  so  named  by  the  lady — that  he  might  disable  him  and 
then  fall  upon  him  ;  but  it  was  too  late,  for  there  were  the 
two  Indians  returning;  and  three  against  two,  and  one  oJ 
these  only  a  feeble  girl,  was  an  unequal  combat. 

"Away  from  my  sight,  hateful  wretch,"  was  the  exclama- 
tion of  the  enraged  girl,  once  more  uttered,  as  the  man  ap- 
proached nearer  to  take  hold  of  her  hand ;  "  Leave  me  to 
these  savages ;  their  presence  is  more  agreeable  to  my  eyes 
than  the  man  who  violates  his  honor  as  a  gentleman,  and  his 
duty  as  a  soldier." 

It  was  now  the  turn  of  the  man  to  show  excited  passion. 
The  veins  of  his  brow  became  swollen  like  cords,  and  his  nos- 
trils became  wide  as  a  war  horse,  when  spurred  to  resistance  ; 
but  with  great  effort  suppressing  his  feelings,  he  said  with 
trembling  lips. 

"My  lady,  urge  me  not  to  do  what  we  both  shall  eter- 
nally regret ;  remember  you  are  in  my  power  at  this  mo- 
ment." 

"  I  am  in  no  man's  power.  God  will  not  suffer  the  innocent 
to  be  long  without  a  deliverer.  He  is  at  my  right  hand  this 
moment ;  I  see  him  through  the  thick  darkness."  And  she 
gazed  so  earnestly  on  the  very  spot  where  Martin  stood,  that 
he  felt  the  blood  rushing  through  his  veins,  faster  than  it  had 
done  for  many  years.  So  direct  were  her  motions,  that  the 
eyes  of  her  captor  for  a  moment  were  turned  in  the  same 
direction,  as  if  in  fear. 

"  Kiskataam,  Kiskataam,  I  throw  myself  under  your  pro- 
tection. I  will  pardon  all  you  have  done  and  said  to  me ;  I 
will  obtain  you  pardon  and  a  reward  from  my  father,  if  you 
only  save  me  now  from  the  company  of  that  traitorous  man. 
Clifford,  I  hold  you  in  scorn ;  and  the  daughter  of  an  English 
soldier  will  bestow  naught  else  on  a  coward  who  has  betrayed 
his  friend,  and  would  now  spoil  the  peace  of  the  family  where 
he  has  been  nursed,  and  confided  in  from  boyhood.  Oh, 
Bertram,  why  do  you  not  come  to  me  !" 

With  this  effort,  which  was  too  much  for  her,  the  excited 
lady  sank  down  helpless  on  the  ground  ;  presently  she  was 
lifted  by  her  tormentor,  as  he  would  have  lifted  a  child,  and 
placed  on  the  bed  of  laurel  which  had  been  prepared  for  her. 
As  he  laid  her  down,  Martin  saw  that  the  man  put  out  his 
lips  as  if  he  could  have  imprinted  a  kiss  on  the  pale  brow,  but 
the  weakened  woman  gained  new  strength  at  this  insult 
offered  to  her  modesty,  and  struck  up  her  hand  with  such 
force  that  the  insulter  staggered  back  a  step  or  two,  while 


DEEP   DOTJBT.  31 

» 

the  poor  captive  hid  her  face  and  sobbed  like  an  infant,  calling 
out,  "  Oh,  mother  !  mother !  come  to  me." 

The  eyes  of  the  inactive  spectator  melted  at  what  met  his 
senses,  and  groaning  in  his  spirit,  he  longed  again  for  Elsie 
Then  he  set  about  imagining  what  would  have  been  his  own' 
feelings  had  it  been  his  own  daughter  who  was  going  through 
such  an  ordeal  as  he  now  was  witness  to.  "Ha!"  said  he  to 
himself,  "  I  only  wish  that  the  hand  which  smote  that  rascal- 
lious  cheek  had  been  as  heavy  as  Elshie's.  He  would  feel  it 
warm  now,  and  remember  Pine  Orchard  to  the  end  of  his  life. 
But,  there  now,  these  savages  are  skinning  that  deer, 
which  fairly  belonged  to  me ;  and  which,  if  my  heart  tells 
me  true,  they  shall  not  live  to  eat.  Three  sliots  in  Peg  would 
settle  the  question ;  but,  unlike  the.  Pegs  of  the  Yankees, 
mine,  like  Anshela,  can  speak  but  once  at  a  time,  and  I  am 
slow  at  loading." 

Apart  from  the  place  where  the  bower  and  the  fire  were 
built,  the  red  men  were  busy  skinning  the  deer  which  they 
had  succeeded  in  killing;  while  the  man  who  had  appeared 
so  suddenly,  stood  as  sentinel  near  the  lady.  There  was  great 
nervousness  displayed  in  his  movements  at  times,  and  an  un- 
certainty in  his  step,  which  could  not  be  hidden  from  any  ob- 
server. All  at  once  he  came  forward  to  the  side  of  the  pros- 
trate captive,  calling  out  a  full  name  which  Martin  did  not 
catch.  "  I  have  a  plan,  Margaret,  that  I  will  lay  before  you, 
and  choose." 

"  Kiskataam !  Kiskataam !"  was  again  shrieked  out  by  the 
feeble  prisoner,  with  a  vehemence  which  brought  to  her  that 
sedate  chieftain,  who,  like  all  of  his  race,  was  not  easily  thrown 
from  his  self  possession;  "Indian,  take  me  under  your  care. 
Have  pity  on  a  poor  helpless  girl,  take  me  back  to  the  river, 
I  will  find  my  way  to  the  ship.  Good  Kiskataam,  you  have 
had  young  squaws  of  your  own  forced  away  by  the  Senecas, 
and  they  were  returned  to  you.  You  told  me  of  them  when 
you  sat  beside  me  in  the  big  canoe.  Take  me  back.  The 
red  soldier  will  make  you  king  of  the  Six  Nations  if  you  re- 
lease his  daughter." 

The  Indian  rose  to  his  full  height,  showing  more  emotion 
than  common  in  his  countenance  and  voice  as  he  slowly  said, 

"  Does  the  Panther  have  pity  when  he  has  the  Fawn  in  his 
mouth?" 

There  was  evident  bitterness  in  his  words.  Why  should 
the  Fawn  seek  pity  from  the  Panther  when  the  Lion  has  come 
to  her  protection  ? 


32  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  The  Fawn,  as  you  have  been  pleased  to  call  me,  would 
rather  trust  the  Panther  than  the  Wolf.  The  Lion  I  would 
trust.  Alas !  that  I  should  see  any  bearing  the  emblem  of 
the  lion,  becoming  more  cruel  than  the  cowardly  dog." 

This  last  was  said  in  an  undertone  which  evidently  was  in 
tended  for  the  one  who  took  it  up  in  anger,  which  shot  from 
his  eyes  in  flashes  of  revenge. 

"The  Lion,"  continued  the  Indian,  "  would  raise  the  Fawn 
in  his  hall  of  greatness." 

"  And  then  give  me  over  to  be  devoured  by  the  wolves. 
No,  Indian,  protect  me  or  not,  as  you  please  ;  but  hear  me,  I 
would  rather  have  my  poor  body  destroyed  by  the  meanest 
reptile  that  lives  in  these  wilds,  than  be  possessed  for  an  hour 
by  the  Lucifer  who  has  betrayed  his  friend." 

The  man,  whom  we  shall  henceforth  call  Clifford,  had  stood 
with  his  arms  folded  during  the  conversation,  wishing  to  be 
regarded  as  calm,  but  this  last  stroke  made  him  turn  himself 
aside  as  if  he  felt  afraid  of  showing  his  feelings  of  growing 
passion. 

"  Indian  has  a  beautiful  wigwam,"  said  Kiskataam,  when  he 
saw  that  the  white  man  had  moved  out  of  earshot—"  Indian 
built  it  for  his  squaw,  that  would  come  from  the  rising  to  the 
Betting  sun.  Wigwam  beside  the  clear  lake  where  the  trees 
grow  thick,  and  the  leaves  shine  in  the  glittering  light. 
The  Fawn  would  hide  in  the  darkest  spot.  Kiskataam  would 
bring  the  flowers  of  the  cloves  to  deck  her  hair,  and  the 
softest  skins  for  her  bed." 

The  astonished  lady  could  scarcely  believe  but  that  the 
whole  was  a  dream,  and  her  amazement  was  so  great,  that 
she  could  not  make  any  reply  otherwise  than  by  her  looks, 
which  the  quick  perception  of  this  other  tormentor  easily  in- 
terpreted ;  whether  he  was  sincere  or  not  in  his  daring  pro- 
position will  never  be  fully  proven,  but  in  the  present  in- 
stance turning  his  fawning  tones  into  keen  sarcasm  he  con- 
tinued : 

_"  Has  not  the  Fawn  said  she  wished  to  run  upon  the  moun- 
tains, and  along  the  streams  that  flow  down  their  feet  ?  Did 
she  not  sigh  to  see  the  brooks,  that  blue  eyes  never  looked 
into  until  her  own  gazed  therein,  as  she  said  the  first  squaw- 
did  in  the  white  man's  paradise." 

"Oh!  distress  me  not  with  my  romantic  folly.  All  was 
beautiful  in  fancy,  but  it  is  terrible  in  reality.  Sad  is  my 
fate.  The  victim  of  both  the  red  and  the  white  man." 

"But  the  Fawn  has  not  yet  seen  the  place  where  the  milk- 


DEEP   DOUBT.  33 

white  deer  run  tame,  led  by  the  young  squaws  to  the  wig- 
wam door.  She  has  not  fed  the  young  eaglets  fluttering  in 
their  nest.  There  are  bird-songs  too  in  the  forest  that  the  Fawn 
would  love  to  hear.  Soft  skins  of  the  bear  and  the  beaver, 
of  the  fox  and  the  catamount,  which  Kiskataam  has  tanned 
with  his  own  hand.  On  these  would  the  Fawn  sleep,  and 
dream  ;  she  would  forget  her  troubles,  and  not  be  afraid  of 
the  Wild  Wolf  any  more." 

The  Indian  began  this  long  description  in  the  uncertain 
tones  of  half  reproach,  but  ended  in  the  soft  mellovf  boimas 
with  which  his  race  speak  in  their  times  of  sadness  or  of  en- 
treaty. Nature  is  imitated  by  them,  and  is  successful  at 
times  in  evil. 

"  Kiskataam,"  said  the  enraged  lady,  "  do  you  mean  what 
your  words  imply  ?  Have  you  stolen  me  away  for 
yourself  or  for  another  ?  Come  forward  Clifford,  and  tell 
me  whether  you  mean  me  to  be  the  wife  of  an  English  sol- 
dier or  the  squaw  of  an  Indian  chief?  for  it  seems  I  must 
choose  between  being  in  Howard  Castle,  or  plant  corn  beside 
the  Susquehanna.  Clifford  !  Clifford  !"  and  the  rocks  rang 
with  the  sound  of  his  name.  He  was  at  her  side  in  an  in- 
stant. 

"I  was,"  said  the  lady,  "a  moment  since  ready  to  have 
trusted  the  Indian  rather  than  you.  I  confide  in  none  of 
you.  Your  minion  there  seeks  to  preserve  a  separate  suit  of 
his  own.  He  is  as  mean  as  some  white  men  are,  and  betrays 
his  friend  by  seeking  to  carry  off  the  victim." 

"  By  this  time  the  two  associates  in  guilt  were  confronting 
each  other,  with  those  looks  of  hate  which  traitors  put  on 
when  found  out.  So  long  as  each  of  these  caitiffs  could  make 
an  instrument  of  his  companion,  in  accomplishing  a  selfish  end, 
blandness  and  generousness  were  the  features  of  their  inter- 
course ;  but  now  the  disguise  had  fallen,  at  least  from  the  In- 
dian, and  the  man  Clifford  felt  mortified  at  being  made  the 
dupe  of  one  he  called  a  barbarian.  With  his  ears  still  ring- 
ing of  treachery,  charged  upon  him  by  one  that  seemed  fully 
to  know  him,  and  who  so  defied  him,  he  was  in  no  mood  to 
take  an  insult  from  any  third  person.  He  was  only  too  glad 
to  find  one  object  on  whom  to  wreak  his  vengeance. 

"You  Indian  dog!"  was  the  first  word  he  could  utter 
in  quivering  passion  through  his  teeth.  "  How  dare  you  come 
between  me  and  mine.  Have  I  not  pledged  my  word  of 
honor  to  pay  you  ?" 

Here  Clifford  stopped  short  suddenly,  seems  that  thf  ladv 

2* 


34:  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

was  watching  the  coming  word.  She  felt  that  she  had  gained 
a  point  in  setting  her  t\vo  ehemies  against  each  other 
Whoever  lost,  she  could  be  in  no  worse  hands ;  so  rousing 
herself  up,  she  stood  prepared  for  the  smallest  chance  »i' 
escape  ;  and  also,  for  knowing  ail  that  concerned  her^f. 
But  the  suppressed  sentence  which  would  have  revealed 
something  was  lost1;  and  the  burst  of  passion  ended  as  it  be- 
"•an,  with  "Indian  do^!"  Clifford  was  choked  with  rage. 

"•English  fox  hold  his  nose  to  the  ground  ;"  was  the  bitter 
retort  of  Kiskataam.  At  the  same  moment  he  was  handling 
his  tomahawk,  which  hung  at  his  girdle,  in  rather  a  sinister 
manner.  The  Englishman  showed  nothing  of  the  coward,  but 
the  sight  seemed  rather  to  swell  him  out  to  larger  dimen- 
sions; and,  without  even  yet  discovering  that  he  had  any 
weapons  of  defence  about  him,  he  stepped  up  nearer  to  the 
red  man,  demanding  the  object  of  this  show  of  light. 

"Does  the  Indian  chief  seek  war?  Blood  is  sweet  to  the 
Panther  just  now.  Would  he  fondle  the  Fawn  ?  would  he 
carry  her  to  the  beautiful  lake  away  by  the  Susquehanna  ?" 

All  of  this  was  uttered  in  that  mingled  bitterness  of  sar- 
casm and  anger  which  the  English  people  know  so  well 
how  to  give  to  any  enemy  when  they  wish  to  provoke  him  to 
do  a  desperate  act. 

"  The  Panther  loves  to  worry  the  Wolf,"  was  the  no  less 
determined  reply  of  the  Indian,  who  stood  his  ground  with 
equal  courage  to  the  other ;  and  Martin,  watching  the  result 
with  an  almost  breathless  interest,  bent  over  the  whole  scene, 
without  thinking  for  a  moment  that  were  his  presence 
known,  it  would  turn  the  anger  of  both  these  men  upon  him- 
self. The  lady,  with  an  equal  interest,  forgot  her  captivity, 
waiting  for  the  crisis  of  the  present  affair. 

"The  Panther  would  worry  the  Wolf — ha!  nnd  lick  the 
Fawn's  blood  at  his  leisure :  a  dainty  meal !  He  must  fight 
first  with  long  teeth.  The  Wolf,  as  you  would  have  me  to 
b«',  has  got  snapping  jaws :"  and  with  that  the  click  of  a 
large  pistol  was  heard  in  the  hand  of  Clifford  ;  nor  was  his 
crest  in  the  least  degree,  at  this  moment,  like  the  wolf,  but 
terrible  as  a  real  soldier  appears  in  the  time  of  danger. 

Kiskataam  seemed  undecided,  but  it  was  not  the  inde- 
cision of  fear,  for  his  eyes  glanced  fire,  though  not  a  muscle 
of  his  face  seemed  to  move,  except  in  that  nervous  rapidity 
which  is  more  like  the  stream  of  electric  lire  that  runs  over 
a  cloud  before  the  storm  breaks,  making  the  beholder  wait 
timorously  for  the  glancing  lightning  and  the  report,  than 


A   HARVEST   FEAST  35 

anything  in  human  action.  The  true  savage  stood  with 
hand  on  the  tomahawk,  watching  the  eye  <_f  his  opponent,  and 
wheeling  in  a  twinkling,  he  hurled  the  weapon  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  lady,  grazing  her  head,  so  that  the  knot  .which 
held,  her  hair,  was  cut  asunder;  but  passing  her,  it  lodged  iii 
the  tree  against  which  Martin  was,  leaning ;  and  by  which 
he  was  watching  the  transaction  so  near  to  him. 

The  occurrence  was  the  doing  of  a  moment.  All,  with  the 
exception  of  the  actors,  were  confounded ;  and  by  the  time 
they  had  recovered  from  their  surprise,  an  event  was  taking 
place  which  diverted  the  attention  from  the  design  of  the 
Indian. 


CHAPTER  III. 

A     H A K VEST  FEAST. 

"  If  Roger  is  my  Joe,  he  kens  hirasel' 

For  sic  a  tale  I  never  heard  him  tell, 

Ha  glowers  and  sighs,  and  I  can  guess  the  cause, 

But  wha's  obliged  to  guess  his  hums  and  haws, 

When'ei-  he  likes  to  tell  his  mind  mair  plain, 

I'll  tell  him  frankly,  ne'er  to  do't  again." 

RAMSAY'S  PATIB  AND  ROGER. 

ELSIE  SCHUYLER  was  an  only  child,  a  rare  thing  among 
the  Holland  Dutch,  which  rendered  her  more  the  companion 
of  her  father  than  she  would  otherwise  have  been,  had  ho 
had  sons  to  bring  up  and  lean  upon  in  his  old  age.  Of  strong 
will,  clear  mind,  and  a  pious  spirit,  her  actions  were  prompt 
and  fearless,  as  her  father's  were  slow  and  uncertain.  With 
his  daughter  beside  him,  Martin  seemed  as  if  her  soul  stirred 
and  moved  his  body.  He  thought  immediately  as  she  did, 
and  with  all  his  strength  he  set  to  the  fulfilling  her  desire. 
Yet  he  never  would  have  understood  the  man  who  would 
have  ventured  to  tell  -him  he  had  no  mind  of  his  own,  noi' 
could  Elsie  have  known  any  thing  of  controlling  the  action  of 
her  parent. 

In  truth,  even  with  her  strong  will,  she  had  been  all  her 
life  under  great  moral  restraint.  Her  education  would  have 
been  regarded  as  deficient  in  New  York  ;  but  such  as  it  was, 
the  grand  end  of  all  education  was  gained  by  her  in  prudent 
self-control,  rapidity  of  thought  in  times  of  emergency,  and 
fearlessness  of  action  when  danger  required  it  to  be  met.  AD 


36  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

df  these  essential  elements  were  the  result  of  training,  which 
had  no  plan  in  it,  but  grew  out  of  the  nature  and  habit  of 
the  worthy  parents,  who  taught  her  the  usual  course  of  read- 
ing in  the  Bible  and  the  learning  of  the  real  orthodox  Heid>- 
elburgh  Catechism.  Though  she  spoke  the  vernacular  lo\v 
Dutch  of  the  region  where  she  lived,  yet  it  was  the  ambition 
of  the  parents  that  their  daughter  should  also  speak  the 
English  tongue,  and  she  was  accordingly  sent  to  a  school 
where  the  English  Bible  and  other  books  were  read.  This, 
as  she  grew  up,  was  of  immense  advantage  to  her  on  account 
of  the  intercourse  she  could  have  with  other  parts  of  the 
colony,  where  more  could  be  learned  t«.in  on  the  sides  of  the 
mountains.  Elsie  had  every  year  since  she  was  sixteen  paid 
an  annual  visit  to  her  friends  in  Albany,  and  even  New  York  ; 
for  the  Schuylers  and  the  Van  Cortlandts  were  not  too 
proud  to  have  their  country  cousins  visit  them  in  the  cities, 
when  they  had  such  fine  opportunities  of  returning  these  cour- 
tesies among  the  hills  and  the  vales  of  the  Kaatskills. 

It  was  in  this  school  that  the  daughter  of  Martin  Schuyler 
was  fitted  for  life  in  any  home  where  Providence  might 
place  her,  though  it  suited  the  plan  of  both  father  and 
mother  better,  that  some  of  the  young  farmers  of  the  region 
should  come  in,  and  be  a  son  to  them  in  their  old  age.  There 
were  many  qualities  in  Elsie  which  other  circumstances  would 
have  developed,  and  she  had  already  acquired  habits  of 
thought,  of  feeling,  and  of  manners,  which  no  new  training 
could  have  possibly  repressed.  Her  mind,  and  modes  of 
thinking  and  acting,  could  have  been  polished  to  a  superior 
power.  She  would  have  been  more  fascinating  in  her  smile, 
softer  in  her  voice,  have  had  a  smoother  rhythm  in  language, 
have  trod  the  soil  with  a  daintier  tread,  and  moved  around 
her  father's  house  with  less  noise.  But  then  the  rocks  and  the 
hills  were  rough  on  which  she  stepped,  and  the  doors,  the 
painted  floors,  and  the  big  jambs  of  those  rooms,  were  not 
after  city  patterns.  It  was  rather  the  house  of  the  Boerman 
than  the  palace  of  the  Stadtholder  of  Amsterdam,  that  Mar- 
tin had  lived  so  long  in,  and  where  Elsie  had  been  brought 
up.  She  was  a  true-hearted  young  woman,  who  had  neither 
been  allowed  to  waste  her  existence  in  the  seclusion  of  a 
country  life,  where  much  ignorance  and  rudeness  have  so  cov- 
ered the  genuine  precious  stone  that  its  polish  and  beauty 
have  never  come  out ;  nor  had  she  been  sent  to  the  city  and 
so  ground  down  upon  the  wheel  of  fashion  that  not  a  streak 
of  truth  remained  either  on  face  or  person.  The  man  of  tha 


A   HARVEST   FEAST.  37 

world,  possessed  of  tact  and  having  an  insight  of  human 
character,  would  have  chosen  her,  like  a  learned  lapidary, 
as  a  precious  stone  capable  of  the  highest  lustre  ;  and  had 
Martin  seen  his  Elsie  in  the  big  halls  of  the  Van  Rensselaers, 
he  would  have  wondered,  after  asking  where  that  young 
vrow  came  from,  to  hear  that  she  was  the  gem  of  his  own 
mountain  farm. 

On  the  night  of  our  history  Elsie  was  down  in  the  Bught — -a 
peculiar  piece  of  land  which  lies  in  a  bend,  or  "  bight"  of  the 
river — where  there  was  a  husking-bee,  which  brought  all  the 
young  people  of  the  country  together,  from  the  West  Camp 
to  the  Van  Bergen  patent.  Fun  and  frolic  were  in  full 
force.  In  the  large,  sloped-roof  barn  sat  groups  of  lads  and 
lassies,  among  bundles  of  corn-stalks,  out  of  which  they 
were  stripping  the  yellow  treasure,  and  throwing  it  into 
bushel  baskets,  which  some  old  men  were  removing  as  fast 
as  they  were  filled.  This  active  business  did  not  hinder 
the  tongues  of  all  from  going,  only  as  Dutch  tongues  can. 
But  it  would  have  defied  the  most  learned  philologist  that 
ever  studied  at  Babel,  to  have  followed  that  modern  confu- 
sion. It  was  not  the  numbers,  though  there  must  have  been 
a  hundred,  nor  was  it  the  harsh  guttural  ughs,  that  sounded 
underneath,  like  the  soughing  of  the  wind  in  a  storm  ;  nor 
was  it  the  sharp  shots  which  flew  so  that  the  blood  rose  to 
the  faces  of  some  of  both  sexes,  as  red  gleams  pass  between 
travelling  clouds;  but  it  was  all  three,  and  in  addition 
there  was  what  no  community  in  the  broad  continent  can 
produce  except  on  the  Xorth  River,  and  only  on  the  west  side 
running  for  fifty  miles,  viz.,  a  mixture  of  French,  Low 
Dutch  and  German,  so  combined  that  it  would  have  put 
either  Frenchman,  Dutchman  or  German  to  utter  confusion. 
It  seemed  literally  as  if  jaw  bones  were  thrown  across  the 
barn,  till  they  struck  against  each  other  in  the  whirlwind 
which  lifted  them  into  the  air. 

Still  all  was  not  uproar,  and  even  that  seeming  confusion 
had  nothing  of  the  keen  wiriness  which  other  nations  exhibit 
in  their  frolics  when  a  man  knocks  his  neighbor  down  through 
pure  love  of  fun,  when  his  over-good  sweetness  turns  so 
suddenly  into  vinegar.  Here  and  there  among  that  busy 
throng  were  small,  quiet  parties,  who  enjoyed  themselves 
Hearts  were  drawn  nearer,  and  lips  followed,  as  a  matter  of 
course.  Experience  can  sit  anywhere,  feeling  composed  and 
aelf-posgessed,  while  the  vulgar  mind  is  sure  to  be  attracted 


38  THE   DUTCH   DOMIXIE. 

by  the  least  sound  or  sight  which  may  pccur  outside  *t 
themselves. 

"  Ha !  ha !  Jerry,  are  you  there  ?  Show  your  wrists  to  the 
folks  here.  What  makes  you  look  so  red  in  the  face,  you 
spalpeen  ?" 

"  What  should  make  me  show  my  wrists  any  more  than 
you  an  empty  pocket.  Mexican  pillars  can  save  a  Sabbath- 
breaker's  conscience.  Ha !  who  is  red  in  the  face  now  ?" 

These  rude  allusions  were  made  by  two  rough-looking 
youths  to  some  recent  piccadilloes  in  which  they  had  been 
both  engaged,  but  the  one  having  money  could  pay  the  fine 
imposed,  while  the  other,  being  poor,  had  to  stand  three  hours 
in  the  stocks  in  front  of  the  church  door — a  species  of  punish- 
ment which  had  been  imported  from  the  mother  country,  and 
which  was  regarded  as  a  great  disgrace.  Sabbath-breaking 
is  one  of  the  crimes ;  no  one  is  suffered  to  ride  except  to 
church,  only  "  It  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Post,  or  any  other 
person  in  his  Majesty's  service  ;  or  to  bring  a  Physitian  or 
My  d  wife."  Such  is  the  law  of  the  colony. 

"  Jerry  had  quite  a  crowd  around  him  outside  the  kerke 
door;  more  than  the  Dominie  had  inside."  This  was  put  in 
by  a  great  laughing  lout  of  a  fellow,  who  made  the  rafters 
ring  with  his  own  approval. 

"  You  had  better  look  to  yourself,  Dirck  Dietrick.  There 
are  worse  things  than  the  jugges  in  these  times,"  said  the 
goaded  Jerry,  who  was  in  no  mood  to  be  tormented  while 
his  wrists  were  glowing  with  the  iron  rings.  "  There  are 
stone  jugges,  where  some  folks  woiild  be  if  they  got  their 
own." 

"Don't  be  angry,"  was  the  mellowing  response  of  Dirck; 
"for  the  Dominie  said,  after  you  went  away,  that  he  believed 
good  came  cut  of  it.  He  preached  all  the  better  for  your 
example." 

"Aye,"  said  Jerry,  "just  as  some  folks  would  be  better 
whigges  if  a  cowboy  were  tied  at  the  koort-house  door  every 
morning." 

"  Come,  come,  no  more  of  dat,"  said  old  Tobias,  the  good 
Boerman,  in  whose  barn  they  all  sat ;  "  we  have  no  more  of 
dat ;  come  and  eat  de  sheeps,  arid  de  be.-iren,  and  de  chicken, 
and  drink  de  rum  and  de  cider." 

In  a  corner,  away  from  the  most  roystering  of  the  com- 
pany, sat  Elsie,  along  with  a  few  of  the  best  class  of  young 
persons.  Both  sexes  regarded  Elsie  as  a  superior  person, 


A    HARVEST    FEAST.  39 

and  were  never  too  familiar  in'  their  approaches.  Such  as, 
like  herself,  had  relatives  in  the  large  towns,  or  wlio  had  im- 
proved themselves  by  the  best  company  whom  they  could 
iincl,  were  usually  found  near  Martin  Schnyler's  daughter, 
and  were  fond  of  quoting  her  as  an  authority.  Among  the 
young  men  was  Tennis  Roe,  who  had,  either  by  accident  or 
ainnity  of  disposition,  found  himself  side  by  side  with  Elsio 
upon  several  occasions  of  public  gatherings;  and  he  had  not. 
boen  an  entire  stranger  at  the  Hoogenhuisen  in  former  days. 
Indeed  there  was  a  time  when  old  Egbert  Roe  and  Martin 
Schnyler  were  sworn  friends  and  brothers.  But,  oh  !  that 
weary  war!  it  had  proved  what  they  had  often  heard  the 
Dominie  say  :  "De  vader  zal  tegen  den  zoon  verdeeld  zijn  en 
de  zoon  tagen  den  vader." 

This  was  literally  the  case,  for  Tennis  in  his  heart  was 
Whig,  and  his  father  was  in  his  heart  a  Tory.  It  was  the 
son  against  the  father,  and  the  father  against  the  son,  and 
both  in  the  same  house,  sworn  foes,  but  as  yet  in  part  secret. 
For  so  long  as  Tennis  had  to  remain  at  home  he  must  keep 
his  principles  to  himself.  His  peculiar  and  hard  case  was 
fully  understood  by  Elsie,  though  not  by  Martin,  and  con- 
sequently the  intimacy  of  the  two  families  was  broken  up, 
so  far  that  there  was  no  longer  any  interchange  of  visits, 
once  so  pleasant  in  the  long  winter  nights,  between  the  <Md 
people  ;  nor  was  there  the  same  liberty  felt  by  the  young  folks 
themselves  when  they  met.  The  actual  position  of  Teuni.s 
was  fathomed  easily  by  Elsie,  but  with  tact  and  delicacy  she 
avoided  all  allusions  to  the  public  affairs  of  the  country.  She 
never  inquired  after  the  reason  of  his  absences,  yet  seemed 
to  expect  him  to  embrace  such  occasions  as  the  present  for 
meeting  her,  and  talking  over  local  matters,  of  which  there 
was  always  a  sufficient  stock  on  hand. 

"  You  were  not  at  the  wedding  of  Peggy  Wolfin  on  Fri 
day  last,"  said  Tennis,  as  he  took  up  a  large  stalk  of  corn, 
balancing  it  on  his  right  thumb-nail,  as  if  he  cared  but  little 
whether  he  husked  any  more  that  night  or  not.  "  You  were 
expected  to  stand  as  bride's-maid,  and  there  was  some  disap- 
pointment you  may  be  sure.'' 

These  last  words  were  uttered  in  a  low  tone,  which  the 
heart,  if  inclined,  is  sure  to  feel ;  and  the  damsel  had  not  a 
heart  of  stone. 

"These  are  not  times,  you  know,  Tennis,  for  young  girls 
to  go  much  alone,  and  my  father  had  heard  something  which 
made  him  more  than  usually  afraid  of  my  going  out.  Indeed. 


40  THE  DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

I  am  here  just  now  mor«  on  my  mother's  leave  than  on  his. 
Do  you  not  think  these  are  hard  times  to  marry  V" 

"  That  depends,  Elsie,  upon  whether  both  be  of  one  mind  ;  in 
some  things  union  is  strength  :  and  two  sticks  tied  together 
are  stronger  than  the  same  two  sticks  taken  separately." 
Teunis  here  threw  the  ear  of  corn  into  the  basket,  just  as 
Elsie  cast  one  in  at  the  same  place ;  and  then  laughing  at  the 
conjunction,  asked  the  maiden  whether  she  would  like  to  see 
how  the  two  lay  in  the  basket,  heads  or  thraws. 

"  O,  you  may  look  if  you  please,"  said  Elsie,  half  blushing  ; 
"  Nelly  Schutt  there,  would  take  that  to  be  as  certain  as  the 
good  book,  but  " 

"  See,  there  they  are  lying  side  by  side,  as  cozy  as  two  kit- 
tens," said  Teunis,  as  he  held  down  the  basket  to  the  candle  ; 
and  to  tell  the  truth,  woman's  curiosity,  or  something  else, 
inclined  Elsie  this  time,  as  before,  to  look  and  laugh  at  the 
folly  of  the  sign. 

"  There  now,"  said  Teunis,  "  is  a  quarrel  getting  up  between 
these  onwijzen." 

"  Teunis,  mind  what  the  Dominie  says  :  he  that  calleth  his 
brother  fool — you  know  the  rest." 

"  I  know,  Elsie ;  but  what  can  you  call  that  Dick  Deid- 
richt  but  a  fool ;  hear  how  he  is  provoking  Jerry  to  bring  up 
matters  which  should  be  kept  out  of  our  homes,  and  from 
these  friendly  gatherings.  I  must  go  and  keep  them  quiet." 

And  off  he  moved  ;  but  before  he  had  time  to  put  in  a 
word,  Tobias  was  giving  out  the  bill  of  fare,  in  his  own  pe- 
culiar manner,  which  had  the  same  happy  influence  upon 
Dutch  blood,  'vhat  tlie  smell  of  good  dinners  has  upon  hungry 
dogs,  and  hungry  princes  or  princesses  ;  for  animal  nature 
during  a  time  of  hunger  is  much  the  same  in  the  quadruped 
and  the  biped. 

It  would  require  more  words  than  can  be  spared,  to  de- 
scribe a  supper  among  the  honest  Dutch  on  the  Hudson  River. 
They  must  have  inherited  their  liking  from  their  ancestors  on 
the  Scheldt,  and  in  the  Low  Countries  ;  where  the  sturdy 
Boerman,  after  working  in  the  deep  bogs,  came  home  to  hia 
vrow  and  fed  heartily  and  slept  it  off.  And,  imitating  the 
burgomaster  of  the  place,  on  his  great  occasions,  he  too  called 
in  his  "  Vrenden  en  de  geburen  en  bringt  het  gemeste  kalf 
en  stagt  het ;  en  laat  ons  eten  en  vrolijkVijn." 

The  old  Hollander  Avas  very  orthodox,  and  in  killing  the 
fatted  calf,  and  being  in  a  vrolicke — (Anglic6,  merry).  He 
was  never  hurt  by  a  good  supper.  He  lay  all  the  easier, 


A   HARVEST   FEAST.  4 1 

like  an  old  Roman  on  his  couch,  that  the  citadel  was  well 
provisioned.  It  would  be  an  interesting  history  to  tell  all 
that  lay  on  the  vast  table,  made  of  doors  taken  from  their 
hinges,  and  covered  with  linen  sheets,  on  which  lay  piles  of 
meat  in  huge  wooden  dishes ;  not  carefully  selected,  the  one 
animal  from  the  other,  but  the  bear  and  the  cow  were  to- 
gether, and  the  chicken  and  the  rabbit  were  on  the  same  plate. 
Equal  hillocks  of  bread  stood  ready  to  be  distributed  by  the 
bustling  fat  hostess,  who  moved  around  as  we  have  seen  a 
Dutch  scow  among  other  craft,  coming  square  up  against  one 
and  another,  till  she  succeeds  in  laying  a  portion  equally  as 
large  as  Benjamin's  share,  before  each  guest.  She  repeated 
these  acts  of  kindness  to  the  end  of  the  feast ;  every  now  and 
again  urging  them  to  partake ;  saying  to  one,  "  You  don't 
like  our  victuals,  Jake."  "  Take  up  the  leg  of  that  turkey 
and  send  it  with  the  rest,  Tim.'  "  Now,  Elsie,  eat  till  you 
burst ;  I  wish  you  may."  "  No  ting  like  good  victuals." 

She  did  not  mean  all  she  said,  but  she  intended  to  do  her 
best  at  being  hospitable ;  and  being  among  her  own  kind  ot 
people,  it  was  a  satisfaction  just  to  see  her  good  natured  look 
as  she  surveyed  the  ample  table,  with  her  guests  devouring 
far  more  than  all  the  worth  of  the  labor  they  had  performed  , 
but  it  would  be  so  rich  to  tell  afterward,  that  she  had  cooked 
two  more  sheep,  killed  five  more  turkeys,  and  twenty  more 
chickens  than  dame  Languendyck  ever  did.  Besides,  every 
one  had  at  least  a  yard  of  sausage  put  on  his  plate,  a  pound 
of  rolichie ;  cabbage  and  onion,  apples  and  cider,  all  came  on 
just  as  if  they  had  not  eaten  anything  for  a  month.  Never 
were  a  company  more  unfit,  according  to  city  notions,  of 
taking  themselves  to  the  ball-room  ;  but  the  spirit  of  these 
folks  was  just  rising.  The  plentiful  draughts  of  cider  and 
brandy  which  were  drank,  without  injury  to  the  perpen- 
dicular position  of  the  guests,  helped  to  carry  them  through 
the  contra-dances,  without  being  hindered  by  their  abdominal 
gravity.  The  barn  floor,  during  the  supper,  had  been  cleared 
by  the  negroes,  who  always  worked  with  right  good  wiL 
when  there  was  to  be — gezang  en  het  geric — music  ana 
dancing ;  and  even  the  good  Dominie  would  stand  at  the 
door  and  see  his  children  vrolicke.  All  was  full  of  glee  and 
merriment,  and  fairly  on  the  wny  to  a  happy  termination, 
when  old  Fred,  the  head  man  of  Tobias,  came  rushing  into 
the  middle  of  the  floor,  his  jaws  chattering,  and  his  face  the 
color  of  his  grey  head,  screaming  and  acting  as  a  lunatic  may 
^e  supposed  to  act,  under  a  black  skin  and  African  features 


42  THE    DUTCH   DOMINIK. 

Not  a  word  could  be  got  from  him  except  the  sound  "  Vuur 
en  sulfur — Gog  en  de  Magog.  Ingen  barbareen."  These 
words  came  out  in  the  form  of  squeals  and  grunts,  more  than 
like  human  speech. 

Of  course  all  amusement  came  to  a  close  at  this  sudden 
apparition,  for  while  some  declared  thut  Fred  had  seen  a 
geest,  others  a  spook,  some  had,  witli  more  presence  of  mind, 
run  to  the  door,  and  coming  back  announced  the  tidings, 
more  alarming  than  anything  of  the  witching-kind,  that  the 
vuur  teeken  on  the  Keekute  was  in  a  blaze.  This  was  the 
acknowledged  beacon  of  warning,  and  was  like  the  fiery  cross 
of  the  Scottish  clans,  the  gathered  signal  in  approaching  dan 
ger.  The  combustible  material  had  been  brought  together 
early  in  the  summer,  and  was  in  fine  fitness  for  the  torch. 
An  onset  was  expected  from  the  west,  as  already  referred  to, 
and  now  that  the  glare  was  reflected  from  the  sky,  the  yells 
of  the  Indians  almost  sung  already  in  the  ears  of  the  helpless 
and  the  cowardly.  What  added  to  the  anxiety  and  uneasi- 
ness of  the  occasion,  many  were  known  to  be  secretly  friendly 
to  the  savages,  now  near  at  hand,  and  were  mingling  with 
the  very  persons  whose  lives  would  be  sought  out  with  as 
much  horror  and  fiendish  delight  as  was  usual  on  such  occa- 
sions. All  the  company  prepared  to  go  ;  some  to  their  homes, 
and  others  to  the  general  rendezvous. 

Elsie,  with  the  rest,  had  risen  in  the  moment  of  surprise, 
and  after  looking  to  the  Keekute  on  the  river-bank,  she  turned 
her  eyes  to  the  west  in  search  of  the  hill  above  Hoogeuhuisen  ; 
and  there,  too,  rose  up  the  great  flame,  like  a  fiery  tongue 
speaking  to  heaven  for  relief.  Her  heart  smote  her  for  being 
in  the  midst  of  pleasure  at  such  a  time  ;  while  without  utter- 
ing a  single  word,  except  a  low  whisper  to  Teunis,  who  stood 
waiting  her  will,  though  he  had  spoken  not  a  word. 

"  De  tijd  is  nabij;  laat  ons  van  hier  gaan,  Teunis  ?" 

"  I  am  beside  thee,  Elsie,  and  am  ready.  Meet  me  at  the 
outside  of  the  big  poorte.  I  shall  be  there  with  the  horses  ;" 
and  without  a  word  more,  he  was  oif  on  his  errand. 

Elsie  was  soon  out  and  mounted  on  her  sheepskin  saddle, 
and  was  carefully  adjusting  her  foot  into  the  iron,  preparing 
for  a  sharp  gallop,  when,  without  looking  up,  she  .said  in  low, 
but  somewhat  agitated  tone  of  voice,  "  Teunis,  there  is  no 
need  of  your  protection  just  now.  The  road  is  good,  the 
night  clear,  and  filly  is  sure-footed." 

Had  the  young  man  been  struck  by  some  unseen  hand,  the 
effect  could  not  have  stupefied  hmTmore  man  these  words. 


A    HARVEST   FEAST.  43 

which  he  interpreted  into  something  like  a  suspicion  of  his 
honor.  He  had  not  recovered  himself  yet  when  Elsie  con- 
tinued : 

"  And  now  there  is  the  less  need  of  your  proteccion,  for 
upon  my  word  there  is  Rover  come  out  to  meet  me.  Oh, 
something  bad  must  have  happened.  He  has  either  been  sent 
hither  by  my  mother,  or  his  own  instinct  has  brought  him  to 
warn  me  beforehand ;  and  without  another  word,  in  the 
agitation  of  her  spirit,  she  struck  her  pony  a  sharp  stroke 
with  her  whip.  Teunis,  true  to  his  Dutch  nature,  while  try- 
ing to  open  his  mouth  for  an  explanation,  was  left  on  the 
road  beside  his  impatient  horse,  who  would  hardly  allow  the 
master  time  to  mount  on  his  back.  But  once  there,  he  gal- 
loped after  Elsie  with  the  fury  of  passion  aroused,  and  came 
up  easily  to  the  leader  before  the  end  of  the  first  mile.  Once 
alongside  of  the  eager  damsel,  he  called  out  in  nervous 
earnestness : 

"  Elsie  !  Elsie !  why  in  such  haste  ?  I  want  you  to  tell  me 
if  you  " 

u  Be  quick,  Teunis,"  said  the  hurried  girl,  as  she  held  in 
the  panting  animal,  "  for  you  see  that  doggie  there  running 
before  me  is  saying,  as  plainly  as  he  can  speak,  'the  Tories 
have  your  old  father  by  the  throat,  and  the  Indians  swinging 
your  mother's  scalp  by  the  grey  hair.'  Ol),  Teunis,  do  not 
stop  me  just  now." 

And  with  that,  she  struck  her  horse  once  more,  giving  him 
rein,  so  that  it  was  with  difficulty  that  her  follower  could 
keep  up  with  her,  though  well  mounted  himself,  and  holding 
a  capital  bridle  hand  for  a  colonist  and  a  dull  Dutchman  ;  as 
all  the  Englishmen  were  accustomed  to  speak  of  every  one 
but  fox-hunters  who  pretended  to  ride. 

"  The  Tories  are  not  so  cruel  as  you  take  them  to  be,  Elsie ; 
but  tell  me  if  you  have  any  suspicion  of  my  putting  a  straw 
in  the  way  of  hurting" — he  was  going  to  say  Elsie,  but  he 
changed  it  to  "  any  of  the  volke  of  Hoogenhuisen  ?" 

"No  Teunis,  no,  you  would  not  with  your  own  hand,  T 
know  ;  I  could  pledge  myself  for  you,  but  there  are" 

"  There  are  more  Tories  than  Teuuis  Roe,  you  would  say, 
Elsie.  I  thank  you  for  the  confidence  you  place  at  least  in 
me,  though  you  almost  called  me  by  a  name  lam  not  deserv- 
ing of:  But  Tory  or  not,  the  hand  that  is  raised  against. 
Elsie  Schulyei  is  aimed  against  a  heart  not  far  from  her." 

"  Thank  you.  thank  you.  That  is  all  I  can  say  just  now  ; 
I  was  going  to  say  sornetliing  about  our  not  being  Reeu  to- 


44  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

gether  at  such  meetings  as  we  have  come  from,  but  there  is  no 
time  for  anything  but  action.  See  how  the  sky  is  glowing 
ill  around  us  ;  and,  0  mine  Goden,  why  am  I  away  from  the 
nide  of  my  fader  and  my  moder  ?" 

By  this  time  they  had  rode  at  least  three  miles,  and  in  fif- 
•.een  minutes  more  they  would  see,  from  a  small  hill,  whal 
;vas  the  state  of  things  at  Hoogenhuisen  ;  for  the  fear  all  the 
time  iu  Elsie's  mind  was,  that  the  mansion  had  been  fired, 
and  that  the  blaze  they  saw  reflected  overhead  Avas  not  the 
j-ignal,  but  the  dwelling.  This  made  her  spare  neither  horse 
nor  herself,  till  finding  that  the  faithful  creature  required  a  few 
minutes  to  breathe,  she  slackened  her  pace,  and  began  by 
paying : 

"  You  see,  Teunis,  that  I  am  now  near  home,  and  it  will 
bring  trouble  on  you,  on  us  both,  if  we  be  seen  together  on 
such  a  night  as  this.  Let  us  part  now.  Part  here  till  this 
weary  war  be  over ;  and  then" 

"•  And  what  then  ?"  said  the  eager  youth.  "  Shall  I  come 
back  then  to  be  rejected  for  my  cowardice  at  this  hour,  in 
leaving  you  in  danger  of  being  scalped,  that  I  might  save 
myself  from  disgrace  at  home?  No,  Elsie;  I  am  a  man, 
though  I  have  not  stood  out  for  my  country  yet,  as  others 
have  done ;  and  I  have  a  man's  heart  that  would  not  suffer  a 
hair  of  any  woman's  head  to  be  hurt  by  those  savages,  could 
I  hinder  it  with  my  hand.  Least  of  all  would  I  stand  back 
and  see  a  foul  h'nger  put  on  your  fair  skin  ;  so  help  me 
God !" 

The  tears  started  into  Elsie's  eyes  at  this  burst  of  passion,  bo 
gratifying  to  her  kindly  nature ;  and,  struggling  with  herself, 
she  endeavored  to  give  such  a  reply  as  might  not  betray  her 
real  sentiments;  though  the  more  she  repressed  them,  the 
more  they  overcame  her  ;  so  dashing  forward  at  a  rapid  pace, 
they  stood  looking  from  the  hill  toward  Hoogenhuisen,  when 
both  at  once  exclaimed — "  It  is  the  teeken  vuur !  the  teekeu 
vuur !" 

"  God  be  thanked,"  said  Elsie  ;  "  my  poor  parents  are  safe 
yet,  and  my  father  on  his  waakt  toreu  :  Now,  Teunis,  you 
have  come  as  far  as  it  is  safe  for  you  to  be.  When  these 
times  are  over,  I  will  think  of  this  night." 

She  held  out  her  hand  as  the  parting  signal.  The  hand 
trembled,  and  all  the  more  that  Teunis  held  it  longer  than  a 
mere  good  night  would  require.  When  he  found  words,  he 
said: 

"  Do  not  forbid  me  to  come,  before  these  dark  days  are 


A   HARVEST  FEAST.  45 

over.      You  know  where  my  feelings   are,  where  iny  desire 
Is  at  tliis  moment." 

Elsie  interrupted  him  by  saying,  "  This  is  no  time  for  feel- 
ing, but  for  convictions  ;  and  where  duty  calls,  the  Dominie 
says  we  should  be :  mine  is  now  to  be  on  the  waakt  toren 
alongside  of  my  father.  Go  you  where  your  conscience 
points." 

"  Mine  is  also  on  the  watch-tower  ;  and  to-morrow,  if  I 
have  heard  aright,  shall  decide  the  fate  of  more  than  one." 

"  Teunis,  do  not  tell  me  of  anything  you  Jhave  heard  be- 
low, for  I  cannot  tell  you  in  confidence  any  of  our  concerns 
so  God  guide  us  both,  and  save  the  righteous  cause." 

And  with  these  words  she  gave  her  impatient  horse  the 
reins,  and  off  she  started,  as  if  mounted  on  a  deer,  and  Avas 
out  of  sight  in  a  moment,  before  her  agitated  companion  had 
time  to  recover  himself. 

However,  Teunis,  instead  of  obeying  the  mandate  to  go 
back,  slipped  from  his  horse,  tying  him  beneath  a  tree,  a  little 
way  distant  from  the  road,  and  taking  a  near  path  to  Hoogen- 
huisen,  was  at  the  door  watching  the  movements  of  the  in- 
mates with  great  earnestness.  He  had  his  fears  that  all  was 
not  right.  He  was  well  aware  how  much  both  Martin 
and  his  fearless  daughter  were  dreaded  and  hated  by  the 
Tories ;  so  he  resolved  to  become  their  secret  protector. 
How  far  this  was  the  result  of  feeling  or  conviction,  he  did 
not  stop  to  inquire.  It  was  enough  that  he  had  heard  d&rk 
hints,  secret  cabalings ;  and  that  he  knew  the  Indians 
were  on  the  hills,  waiting  the  proper  moment,  when  their 
friends  would  give  the  signal.  The  teeken  vuur,  or  signal  fire, 
showed  that  the  Whigs  were  somewhat  aware  of  their 
danger ;  still  it  was  with  a  beating  heart  as  Elsie  felt,  that  he 
saw  the  dog  Rover  by  the  side  of  his  mistress  :  all  the  super- 
stition of  his  nature  aided  in  making  him  afraid.  Nor  were 
his  suspicions  set  at  rest,  as  the  sagacious  animal  passed  him 
again  without  recognition,  going  straight  to  the  side  of  a 
rock,  and  giving  a  slight  but  earnest  whine,  as  if  seeking  for 
something  which  he  had  lost  in  the  dark.  At  that  moment  an 
object  glided  like  a  ghost,  through  the  barn-yard  toward 
a  corner,  where  it  remained  in  the  stillest  quiet,  more  as  a 
shadow  seemed  than  a  body  moving.  Had  the  moon  been  up 
at  the  time,  the  watcher  would  have  expected  a  man  to  have 
followed,  but  neither  sound  was  heard,  nor  form  seen,  though 
the  eyes  of  Teunis  were  fixed  with  painful  interest  Aj.on  the 
place. 


4-6  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"Some  one  must  be  watching  here  as  Avell  as  myself;  I 
must  see  the  end  of  this  ;  for  it  cannot  be  for  good  that  any 
one  is  here  at  this  hour."  But  then  he  thought  within  himself 
of  how  Martin  Schuyler  would  scowl  were  he  to  meet  him 
in  his  yard,  at  this  hour  of  the  night.  "I  must  see  the  end 
of  this.  Something  is  out  of  its  place  here,  and  my  help 
may  be  of  use  to  my  friends  ;  and  if  I  prove  myself  to  be  a 
friend  indeed,  I  may  get  farther  into  a  corner  of  the  old 
man's  heart." 


CHAPTER    IV. 

THE    RESCUE. 

Tht  Challenge:  "  How  say  ye  to  my  soul,  flee  as  a  bird  to  your  mountain?" 
The  Answer:  "  The  Lord  is  in  heaven." — PSALMS. 

IN  the  meantime  Elsie  had  been  seeking  for  her  parents 
all  through  the  house,  calling  to  them  in  a  low  voice  as  she 
went  from  room  to  room  with  a  beating  heart.  Finding  all 
in  silence,  and  the  very  bed  of  her  mother  empty  and  cold, 
she  was  now  certain  that  some  enemy  was  abroad.  Care- 
fully gliding,  lest  some  spy  might  perceive  her,  she  reached 
the  rear  of  the  dwelling,  where  was  the  hiding-place,  or,  as 
it  was  known  in  Dutch,  the  verborgenheid,  wThich  she  entered 
and  found  the  anxious  Angelica  waiting  for  her. 

"  I  am  afraid,"  said  the  anxious  wife  and  mother,  "  dat 
somewhat  ill  has  taken  place.  De  teeken  vuur  has  been 
blazing  below  at  Overpaugh's  all  the  nicht.  De  niggers  heve 
all  crept  into  bed,  and  den  Rover  snuffles  round  de  barn-yard 
as  if  he  kent  mair  dan  he  spok." 

Elsie  did  not  give  utterance  to  her  own  superstitious  fears 
about  the  dog,  but  turning  aside  her  mother's  thoughts  from 
her  present  fanciful  notions,  she  inquired  into  the  reality. 
Where  was  her  father,  and  who  could  have  kindled  the 
teeken  vuur  on  their  own  hill  ? 

Angelica  only  answered  with  groans,  for  of  that  she  was 
herself  ignorant,  and  saw  in  the  lighting  of  the  signal  certain 
destruction. 

^"  Mammy,  lie  you  here  and  I  will  go  to  daddy.  Soino 
friend  is  at  hand  to  aid,  and  more  will  be  here  soon.  Ni» 
enemy  would  kindle  the  teeken  vuur.  Lie  still  and 


THE    RESCUE.  47 

The  brave  girl  was  giving  encouragement  when  she  needed 
strength  herself,  for  the  dark  night  and  the  wild  ro.-ul  were 
sufficient  to  alarm  an  old  soldier  or  an  old  hunter ;  but  it  is 
questionable  if  either  of  them  would  have  gone  forth  at  mid- 
day with  more  cheerfulness  than  she  went  out  under  the  stars, 
since  duty  to  her  father  demanded  her  presence.  Now  she 
thought  of  how  she  had  dismissed  Teunis,  whose  company 
would  have  been  a  pleasure  and  a  protection.  It  was  too 
late  to  regret,  so  she  set  about  the  necessary  apparel  for  such 
a  journey  as  she  must  take.  While  engaged  in  this,  her 
ear  caught  sounds  of  retreating  footsteps  in  the  rear  of 
the  house,  and  on  moving  to  that  part  she  felt  some- 
thing fall  at  her  feet.  Groping  in  the  dark,  her  hand 
touched  a  paper,  which  she  knew  must  have  been  put  there 
by  some  one  out  of  the  family,  so  carrying  it  to  the  most 
secluded  corner  of  the  house  she  lighted  a  candle  and  read: 

Fear  whitpcr*  : 

"  0  night  and  shade, 

How  are  ye  joined  with  hell  in  triple  knot, 
Against  the  unarmed  weakness  of  one  virgin 
Alone  and  helpless." 

Courage  calls : 

"  Virtue  may  be  assailed, 
But  not  enthralled : 
Surprised,  but  never  hurt." 

"  Strange  man  !  Are  you  around,  restless  spirit  ?  How 
I  wish  that  I  either  knew  more  or  less  about  you  than  I  do 
I  tremble  for  myself  Avhen  near  you,  and  yet  you  fascinate 
me  with  tnat  eye  at  times ;  but,  oh !  it  burns  my  cheek  to 
meet  it.  Surely  those  eyes  must  be  the  furnaces  of  some 
smoldering  fire  on  the  brain.  They  have  glowed  so  for  a 
month  past  that  they  seemed  more  like  the  air-holes  in  a 
coal-pit,  when  the  wind  blows  fierce  at  night,  than  the  eyes 
of  a  human  being.  What  terrible  passion  has  made  him  now 
like  a  wild  beast,  roaming  all  night  and  watching  all  day.  He 
could  tell  me  something  of  what  is  going  on,  but  I  dare  not 
seek  him,  but  guess.  There  is  danger,  but  I  may  go  on  my 
errand.  Why  not  speak  it  out?" 

Crawling  through  a  secret  passage  she  reached  the  open 
ground,  where,  cautiously  looking  round,  she  gave  out  a 
sound  like  chick-a-dee,  chick-a-dee,  when  Rover  came  to  her 
side  in  a  fondling  manner,  which  she  returned  gently.  Ho 
said,  as  plainly  a.s  lie  could:  "I  am  at  your  service;"  while 


48  THE   DUTCH   DOMINTE. 

she,  putting  down  her  hands  to  his  head,  seized  his  jaws  be- 
tween her  fingers,  pressing  them  so  that,  if  possible,  they  came 
more  closely  together.  The  dumb  animal  seemed  to  under- 
stand that  he  must  be  silent  as  well  as  speechless,  for  all  through 
that  night  not  a  sound  escaped  from  him. 

Elsie,  swift  as  a  deer,  and  now  as  fearless,  urged  her  way 
under  the  star-light.  Rover  ahead,  trotting  with  his  tail  up 
proudly,  coming  back  now  and  then  to  receive  the  encourage- 
ment which  his  mistress  never  failed  to  bestow  upon  him, 
passing  her  kind  hand  along  his  back ;  nor  was  it  long  before 
she  reached  the  place  of  appointment  on  the  South  Moun- 
tain. On  the  same  large,  slanting  rock,  where  her  father 
had  sat  an  hour  before  waiting  for  her,  she  leaned  to  rest 
herself.  Rover  had  left  her  at  this  point,  and  though  she 
called  the  secret  chick-a-dee,  she  heard  only  the  echo  of  her 
own  voice,  but  not  the  reply  of  her  father.  She  expected  that 
Rover  would  in  this  way  bring  them  together.  Growing 
impatient,  she  rose  and  took  another  position,  where  she  saw 
for  the  first  time  the  fires  which  blazed  red  and  clear.  In 
her  present  high  excitement  all  her  motions,  mental  as  well  as 
of  body,  were  rapid,  so  that  it  did  not  occupy  her  long  in  com- 
pi  ehending  the  whole,  the  moment  she  noticed  the  peculiar  wig- 
wams, and  the  different  figures  moving  in  the  light.  The  bower 
in  the  centre  was  as  yet  a  mystery  which  her  keen  spirit  was 
not  long  in  penetrating.  She  had  come  up  close  to  the  very 
place  where  her  father  was  watching  so  intently,  when  that 
quarrel  we  have  already  recorded  was  commencing  between 
the  chief  Indian  and  the  Englishman ;  and  seeing  a  figure 
standing  between  her  and  the  light,  she  was  not  a  moment 
in  deciding  it  to  be  the  one  she  was  seeking.  Taking  hold 
of  his  arm,  she  whispered  in  his  ear : 

"  Ben't  vreest  niet " — Be  not  afraid ; — for  Martin  trembled 
more  than  he  had  done  at  any  previous  part  of  the  night ;  but 
soon  recovering  himself,  he  felt  doubly  strong,  and  was  able, 
with  his  daughter  by  his  side,  to  withstand  any  danger. 

"  Elshie,  see  you  that  poor  crying  lamishie,"  were  his  first 
words,  "  in  the  hands,  in  the  teeth  of  these  wolven.  A  Tory's 
dochter,  maybe,  but  we  must  save  her,  with  God's  help." 

"  Patience,  daddy,  we  must  wait  the  right  time."  Here 
the  heroic  girl  sighed  and  wished  now  for  the  strong  hand  of 
Teunis. 

The  quarrel  between  Clifford  and  Kiskataam  was  1/ecoming 
every  moment  fiercer  and  fiercer  ;  exciting  not  only  the  cap- 
tive in  tho  wigwam,  but  also  Martin  and  his  daughter  w\io 


THE   RESCUE.  43 

m  their  eagerness,  were  unconsciously  drawing  nearer  to  the 
scene  of  action,  till  they  stood  behind  the  tree  that  grew  at 
the  very  rear  of  the  frail  wigwam.  They  could  have  touched 
the  captive  ;  but  their  attention  was  absorbed  in  the  conflict. 
Suddenly  the  Indian  threw  his  tomahawk,  aimed  at  the  head 
of  the  lady,  but  which  struck  into  the  pine  trunk  behind  her. 
Clifford,  seizing  him  by  the  throat,  gave  Elsie  time  to  say  in 
Martin's  ear : 

"I  will  take  the  lady  to  the  North  Mountain.  Stay  here 
about  till  her  enemies  be  turned  the  other  way  by  you  and 
Rover ;"  and  with  that  counsel,  she  darted  into  the  bower  ot 
bushes,  and  whispering,  "Be  not  afraid,  let  us  escape,"  and 
putting  her  arm  through  that  of  the  prisoner,  they  were  out  in 
the  darkness  before  the  two  combatants  had  risen  to  their  feet. 
Indeed,  so  intent  were  they  on  revenge,  that  every  other  pas- 
sion was  swallowed  up  ;  and  even  the  object  which  had  cost 
them  both  such  sleepless  vigilance,  was  for  the  time  forgot- 
ten. Rolling  on  the  ground  like  fierce  buffalo  and  panther, 
their  eyes  sent  out  flashes  of  deadly  hate.  Now  it  was  the 
lithe  muscle  and  the  quick  movements  of  the  red  man,  that 
was  gaining  the  ascendency  ;  then  it  was  the  firm  grip  and 
main  strength  of  his  enemy.  The  natural  cunning  of  the 
savage  enabled  him  to  wriggle  out  of  the  hold  which  kept 
him  down  ;  but  he  was  no  sooner  up  than  Clifford's  knowledge 
of  the  wrestler's  art,  placed  him  on  his  back. 

"  Yield !  you  false  villain,"  were  the  first  words  of  the 
enraged  Englishman.  He  would  have  said  traitor — but  the 
word,  as  it  had  been  uttered  that  night,  burned  on  his  brain. 
"  Yield  !  and  leave  this  region,  or,  by  Heaven,  I  will  toss 
you  over  the  precipice  to  the  wolves  ;"  and  he  shook  his  vic- 
tim with  a  force  that  showed  his  power.  And  it  might  have 
ended  as  he  threatened,  had  not  the  artful  Shandaagan 
yelled  the  whoop  of  his  tribe  ;  which,  taking  Clifford  by  sur- 
prise, caused  him  to  raise  his  head,  when  he  discovered  that 
his  bird  was  either  fallen  or  flown.  The  war-whoop  rang 
again  from  both  Indians,  in  the  ears  of  the  flying  girls,  causing 
the  blood  of  the  late  captive  to  curdle  in  her  veins. 

Clifford,  when  he  saw  that  the  lady  was  not  standing  where 
he  had  seen  her  a  few  moments  before,  feared  that  the  toma- 
hawk of  the  savage  had  done  its  work,  and  he  ran  in  to  lift 
her  up;  but  not  finding  her,  he  rushed  about  like  a  madman, 
foaming  out  all  kinds  of  avowals.  His  oaths  of  fidelity  froze 
upon  his  tongue,  and  in  a  measure  brought  him  to  his  senses, 
when  he  fouud  that  the  wily  Indian  was  also  out  of  sight, 

3 


>0  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

and  might  come  upon  the  lost  treasure  by  himself.  In  the 
present  state  of  affairs  between  them,  no  chance  was  left  for 
him  to  have  a  share  of  the  booty,  and  this  maddened  him  all 
the  more  ;  but  the  sly  Kiskataam,  now  sure  of  his  revenue, 
and  cooler  in  blood,  had  already  made  up  his  mind  and  was 
moving  in  a  track  of  his  own,  which  would  have  baffled  the 
intellect  of  a  whole  regiment  of  Englishmen,  were  they  on  the 
hills  pursuing  him.  Noiselessly  he  crawled  among  the  tangled 
brushwood,  intending  to  take  a  wide  circuit,  when  this  inno- 
cent Fawn  must  be  entrapped.  Her  fear  in  the  dark,  her 
ignorance  of  these  regions,  and  her  inexperience  of  all  savage 
life,  rendered  her  escape,  as  he  thought,  impossible.  He  was 
transported  in  spirit — first,  in  being  revenged  on  Clifford ; 
and  next,  in  having  the  lady  to  himself. 

"  She  shall  grind  the  Indian's  corn.  I  will  build  her  a  wig- 
wam by  the  Big  Horn,  on  the  island  of  the  crooked  Che- 
rnung.  The  squaws  of  the  Great  King  will  wonder  after  the 
Fawn ;"  nnd  he  smiled  in  bitter  hate.  "  Big  soldier  shall 
whimper  like  a  woman." 

Here  quietly  the  cunning  savage  lay  down  with  his  ear  to 
the  ground,  as  he  had  often  done  on  the  war  path.  As  for 
Clifford,  who  had  by  this  time  lost 'all  track  of  his  company 
whatever,  he  was  running  through  the  woods  alone,  like  one 
possessed  of  a  devil.  Shouting  loudly,  he  called  the  name  of 
the  lady  or  of  the  Indians,  as  they  came  to  his  lips. 

"  A  thousand  pounds  for  the  capture !  I  will  swear  to  you, 
Miss  Margaret.  I  pledge  my  word  as  a  man  of  honor  ;  by 
my  sword  as  a  soldier :  only  come  back  and  you  will  be  taken 
to  New  York  or  " Here  again  he  would  shout  in  ter- 
ror of  himself.  The  meanest  human  being  he  ever  saw  would 
have  been  hailed  by  the  proud  spirited  man  with  a  welcome, 
in  preference  to  wild  nature,  in  all  her  magnificence.  But  he 
was  there  alone,  and  had  neither  God  nor  mankind  to  com- 
mune with  him. 

As  yet  the  two  fugitives  were  out  of  the  net  of  the  fowler. 
Elsie  knew  the  mountain  paths  as  well  as  her  pursuers,  and 
had  a  place  in  her  mind  to  which  she  was  guiding  her  help- 
less charge.  At  the  beginning,  Margaret— the  late  captive- 
ran  \\ith  a  speed  that  surprised  Elsie  ;  but  it  soon  was  seen 
to  be  impossible  for  her  to  proceed  far  without  help  ;  and  that 
of  more  aid  than  one  of  her  sex  could  afford  her.  They  both 
pat  down  on  a  fallen  tree,  unable  to  articulate  through  their 
exertion,  when  the  sound  of  their  pursuer's  voice  rose  again  on 
their  ear  and  seemed  to  be  coining  toward  them  ;  here  Elsie 


TSE  RESCUE.  51 

took  hold  of  the  lady's  arm,  and  found,  to  her  terror,  that 
she  had  fainted  and  was  falling  on  the  ground.  Now  was 
the  time  for  the  fearless  heart  to  rise  above  all  enemies. 
Taking  the  light  creature  in  her  arms,  she  lifted  her  up,  and 
was  carrying  her  onward,  when  she  heard  the  rustling  of 
the  branches  behind  her.  Standing  still  as  the  stump  she 
leaned  on,  hoping  that  the  enemy  might  miss  her  and  pass  on, 
what  was  her  astonishment  when  the  words  of  the  Dom- 
inie's last  Sunday's  text  were  pronounced  quietly  and  softly, 
"  Ik  zal  hesen  gaen  in  de  micht  of  de  Lord  " — I  will  go  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord. 

"  Oh,  Teunis  Roe !"  were  the  words  of  the  startled  Elsie  as 
she  fell  against  his  manly  breast.  "  You  never  were  more  wel- 
come," she  whispered,  drawing  herself  back  abruptly. 

Tennis  had  found  his  way  into  the  house  of  Martin,  and  by 
calling  out  and  knocking  around,  succeeded  in  bringing  An- 
gelica to  him.  In  him  she  always  had  confidence,  so  that  it 
was  not  difficult  to  find  out  the  destination  of  Elsie.  He  ran 
with  an  eagerness  which  proved  him  to  be  in  earnest.  Yet 
he  failed  to  reach  the  rendezvous  in  time  to  aid  in  the  escape, 
though  from  a  short  distance  he  saw  father  and  daughter 
counselling  behind  the  tree.  Afraid  to  meet  the  old  Whig, 
he  stood  back  viewing  the  struggle  on  the  rock,  and  the  res- 
cue of  the  lady,  by  Elsie.  He  then  lost  all  track  of  them,  and 
but  for  the  fainting  of  the  lady  could  not  have  found  them 
at  all. 

Between  these  two  guardians  the  late  captive  was  carried 
to  a  cave,  known  to  the  hunters  of  the  mountains,  where  a 
soft  bed  \vas  spread  for  her,  of  the  leaves  which  lay  around 
thick  and  dry,  yielding  a  not  unpleasant  fragrance  to  the 
wearied  sleeper,  who  lay  as  yet  unconcious  of  the  safety  of 
her  retreat.  From  her  starting  and  muttering,  it  was  evi- 
dent that  her  dreams  were  of  being  pursued  and  of  falling 
into  the  hands  of  her  persecutors. 


THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER  V. 

DOUBTING   CASTLE — GIANT    DESPAIR. 

•"Then,1  said  Mr.  Great  Heart  to  Mr.  Valiant  for  Truth,  '  thou  hast  worthily  behat ed 
thyself ;  let  me  sse  thy  sword : 

" '  Ha  !  it  i«  a  light  good  Jerusalem  blade.  It  is  ;  let  me  have  one  of  these  blades,  with  a 
band  to  wield  it,  and  skill  to  use  it,  and  I  could  venture  upon  an  angel  of  the  high  places 
with  it.' " 

OLD  BCNVAS. 

SHANDAAGAN  had  beard  Elsie  giving  the  sound  of  the 
chick-a-dee,  and  immediately  guessed  the  cause.  The  stern 
old  Boerman  of  Hoogenhuisen  was  more  dreaded  than  any 
one  else  on  the  mountain-side  ;  and  this  Indian  had  been  ail 
the  previous  day  skulking  around  the  place  as  a  spy ;  hut 
knowing  the  vigilant  character  of  the  daughter  of  the  settler, 
he  readily  concluded  she  was  on  the  hills.  When  the  chick-a>- 
dee  was  heard  he  gave  an  involuntary  ugh !  for  the  mys- 
tery of  Rover's  leaving  him  in  the  early  part  of  the  night,  was 
solved  to  his  dull  mind.  The  Boerman  was  on  the  hills  him- 
self, and  that  accounted  for  the  restlessness  of  the  animal,  and 
his  haste  to  get  away.  As  we  have  hinte«l,  he  was  no 
stranger  about  the  farm-house.  From  his  boyhood  he  had 
been  accustomed  to  stop  there  on  his  way  to  and  from  the  east, 
passing  through  Stony  Clove,  on  the  road  to  his  native 
lodge.  Elsie  had  not  only  become  an  acquaintance,  but  also 
an  object  of  interest.  She  was  of  a  nature  to  deal  kindly  with 
all,  but  was  sure  to  show  her  superior  nature  toward  intru- 
ders;  so  that  when  the  deceit  of  the  Indians  discovered  itself 
in  anything,  it  met  a  rebuff,  unpleasant  to  a  malicious  nature 
like  Shandaagan's.  It  was,  therefore,  as  much  to  gratify 
himself  as  to  serve  Kiskataam,  that  he  entered  so  heartily  into 
this  enterprise.  Revenge  for  some  supposed  insult  put  upon 
him  by  Martin,  years  ago,  and  a  secret  human  liking  that  he 
had  for  the  company  of  Martin's  daughter — of  whom  he  was 
afraid,  but  never  could  pass  by — fascinated  him  whenever  she 
choose  to  keep  him  on  his  way.  It  was  not  love,  it  was  n«>t 
hate :  it  was  infatuation,  or  fascination,  that  brought  him 
wherever  she  was ;  though  latterly  she  would  have  seen 
one  of  the  devil's  imps  sooner,  of  her  own  choice,  than  his 
black  shadow. 

And  if  we  can  suppose  one  of  these  same  imps  as  full  of 


DOUBTING    CASTLK GIANT    DESPAIR.  53 

malice  as  they  are  said  to  be,  with  three  objects  near  him, 
and  he  uncertain  as  to  which  he  should  venture  upon  first, 
we  can  have  some  idea  of  this  low  Indian,  with  fear  of  his 
chief,  malice  toward  Martin,  and  his  undefinable  liking  for 
Elsie.  The  first  of  the  three,  at  any  time  presented  to  his 
senses,  would  have  had  the  victory.  In  this  state  he  was 
wandering  through  the  brush,  sometimes  creeping  like  tl 
snake  ;  and  then,  as  he  thought  upon  his  chances  of  success, 
he  lifted  his  head  high  enough  to  look  around.  He  was 
well  pleased  to  see  the  quarrel  begin  between  the  two  lea- 
ders. It  was  to  him  a  matter  of  delight ;  so  much  so,  that 
he  inwardly  hoped  both  would  be  killed,  and  then  he  would 
make  his  own  bargain  with  the  captive.  Watching  the  pro- 
gress of  the  combat  so  intently,  he  forgot  all  other  things, 
nor  was  he  aroused  from  his  intentness  till  he  heard  the  fear- 
ful alarm  of  the  two  combatants,  now  separated  so  strangely. 
He  soon  understood  the  cause.  The  same  sound  had  raised 
up  Martin  to  his  full  height,  within  a  few  rods  before  him, 
and  now  revenge  gained  the  mastery ;  for,  coming  softly 
behind  the  Dutchman,  who  was  intently  watching  the  move- 
ments of  the  two  captains,  lest  they  should  get  upon  the  track 
of  Elsie  and  her  charge,  he  had  lifted  Peg  to  her  proper 
position,  when  he  was  seized  by  the  strong  arms  of  Shan- 
daagan,  and  bound  in  an  instant  above  the  elbows,  and  thrown 
upon  his  back,  with  the  muzzle  of  his  piece  pointing  to  his 
ear. 

The  astonished  and  grieved  man  gave  a  slight  groan.  A 
thousand  daggers  passed  into  his  body  would  have  been  less 
felt  than  were  the  agonies  of  his  spirit.  His  country,  Elsie, 
Angelica,  and  the  poor  captive  Fawn,  all  came  up  before 
him  ere  his  own  sad  captivity  was  thought  of.  But  he  was 
not  devoid  of  that  power  of  endurance  which  is  found  in  noble 
natures,  allied  to  true  courage,  and  in  his  own  way  he  ex- 
pressed it,  "  Uw  wille  geschiede" — thy  will  be  done. 

"The  Hedgehog  is  smooth  and  tied,"  was  the  significant 
sneer  of  the  Indian,  as  he  gave  a  quiet  chuckle  in  his  throat, 
which  indicated  more  pleasure  than  the  loudest  shout  of  tri- 
umph from  a  white  man ;  "  the  Hedgehog  must  creep  fast." 

This  hint  was  accompanied  by  a  touch  of  the  muzzle  of  old 
Peg,  which  Martin  knew  well  was  irresistible,  no  matter  in 
whose  hands  she  was  held.  Her  word  was  law. 

"  Where  do  you  mean  me  to  go,  you  cowardly  redskin  ? 
Have  I  not  fed  you  ?  has  not  Anshela  clothed  you  ?  and  ha? 
not  Elsie  picked  the  thorns  out  of  your  feet,  when  you 


54:  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

coukr  out  move  ?  and  now  you  bid  me  walk  after  you  have 
tied  my  arms  with  these  deer-skin  strings.  Let  me  go  about 
my  own  business,  and  be  off"  with  you  to  your  miserable  hut 
among  the  ice-beds." 

The  red  man  never  gave  a  sign  to  all  this  outburst,  which 
intimated  the  least  feeling,  except  at  the  recollection  of 
Elsie's  taking  the  thorns  from  his  feet  He  moved  from 
leaning  on  the  one  foot  to  the  other,  as  if  pain  or,  pleasure 
was  seeking  the  topmost  scale  ;  all  his  reply  was,  "  The  Hedge- 
hog must  wait  till  Brandt  comes." 

This  was  the  same  as  if  the  sentence  of  death  had  been 
pronounced  upon  him ;  for  the  name  of  that  great  Mohawk 
had  spread  terror  through  the  whole  western  country,  from 
the  Hudson  to  Fort  Niagara.  The  Dutchman  groaned  in 
his  spirit,  and  was  troubled  ;  but  after  a  moment's  prayer  he 
recovered  himself,  and  whispered,  "  Ik  hen  bereid  niet  alien 
gebonden  te  worden  maar  ook  te  sterven" — I  am  ready 
not  only  to  foe  bound  but  also  to  die.  His  chief  sorrow  was 
that  he  should  be  absent  from  his  post,  at  this  time  when  he 
knew  that  so  many  were  depending  upon  his  vigilance  in 
lighting  the  teeken  vuur — the  watch-fire  above  his  own  dwell- 
ing ;  but  to  Ms  great  relief,  as  he  chanced  to  pass  along  to 
his  appointed  prison,  he  cast  his  eye  down  toward  his  home-, 
and  saw  that  all  was  blazing ;  he  would  have  clapped  bis 
hands  in  rapture  at  the  sight,  but  was  quickly  reminded 
of  his  helpless  condition  by  his  not  being  able  to  bring  t,ftern 
together.  He  satisfied  himself  by  quietly  repeating  in  Dutch, 
"  Ik  word  nu  tot  een  plengoffered  geofferred  " — I  am  now 
ready  to  be  offered. 

Martin  was  a  pious  man,  and  knew  his  Bible  better  than 
any  other  book ;  quoting  its  sayings,  always  with  much 
point,  when  either  sunk  in  distress  or  rapt  in  enthusiasm. 
He  felt  stronger  through  seeing  the  watch-fire  blazing,  and 
when  he  reached  the  stream,  he  bent  down  for  a  drink,  for 
which  he  seemed  so  grateful,  that  the  Indian  thought  he 
must  have  read  some  sign  in  the  flame,  which  white  men  can 
only  understand.  Martin  was  repeating  to  himself  what 
gave  him  courage  even  now,  "  Zyn  nect  Abana,  en  Pher- 
phar,  de  revieren  van  Damascus,  betters  dan  aile  Avaterin 
Israels." 

It  Avas  evident  to  Martin  that  by  the  time  they  had  gone  a 
short  mile  to  the  westward,  that  Shandaagan  was  wavering 
in  his  purpose,  and  that  some  other  object  was  beginning  to 
arrest  his  attention.  Ho^in^  therefore,  to  turn  this  vacillj> 


DOUBTING    CASTLE — GIANT   DESPAIR.  t'i 

tion  to  his  own  account,  he  tried  to  lead  the  wily  savage  into 
conversation,  so  that  if  possible  he  might  obtain  a  cue  to  his 
intentions 

"The  Wildcat  has  been  a  long  journey  with  the  Panther 
since  the  sun  rose.  Wildcat  must  be  tired  and  weary  afoot, 
going  through  briers  and  thorns.  The  Wildcat  will  soon 
rest  and  wait  for  the  great  Mohawk." 

These  different  objects  were  presented  purposely  to  confuse 
the  mind  of  the  Indian,  for  Martin  understood  his  uncertain 
character,  and  hoped  to  have  his  mind  diverted  from  himself. 
But  revenge,  for  the  present,  was  the  ruling  passion,  and  he 
had  his  victim  in  his  own  hands.  At  the  same  time  he  felt 
that  he  had  made  a  great  sacrifice  in  losing  sight  of  Elsie 
and  the  captive,  and  resolved  to  secure  the  father,  trusting 
to  his  hunter's  skill  to  find  out  the  daughter  before  morning, 
through  the  help  of  Rover,  who  was  now  trotting  on  before 
them,  to  the  great  mortification  of  the  prisoner,  who  seemed 
to  read  the  thoughts  of  his  captor. 

"  The  Hedgehog  must  lie  down  there  till  the  second  moon 
rises ;"  said  the  dogged  Indian,  as  he  pointed  down  to  the 
foot  of  the  ravine,  where  Martin  knew"  full  well  were  the  high- 
est falls  on  the  mountain,  over  which  he  inwardly  suspected 
it  was  the  Indian's  intention  to  cast  him,  where  he  would  be 
dashed  in  pieces.  Roused  by  fear  and  indignation,  he  deter- 
mined to  resist,  and  make  at  least  one  effort  for  his  life.  He 
was  hesitating,  as  he  felt  the  muzzle  of  his  own  gun 
pressed  against  his  back,  when  turning  suddenly,  he  seized 
Peg,  and  would  have  wrenched  her  out  of  his  captor's  hands, 
but  rbr  the  bindings  on  his  arms.  The  struggle  was  unequal, 
and  he  had  to  yield.  His  last  chance  was  past.  The  wily 
and  cruel  savage  could  not  be  caught  again  oft'  his  guard. 
The  prisoner  still  hoping,  descended  into  the  gorge,  stepping 
on  to  the  rock  over  which  the  stream  was  pouring,  and  there 
he  felt  it  was  but  a  step  between  him  and  death.  Shandaagan 
made  his  captive  sit  down  on  the  rock,  under  a  young  sapling 
that  he  had  been  surveying  with  his  eye.  He  pointed  th«: 
gun  to  the  breast  of  the  Dutchman,  in  a  threatening  manner 
not  to  be  misunderstood.  Then  bending  the  birch  back 
from  the  edge  of  the  fall,  he  placed  a  stone  upon  it,  just  suf- 
ficient to  keep  it  down.  On  the  trunk  of  the  tree  he  tied 
tough  thongs,  cut  from  a  green  skin,  which  he,  without  warn- 
ing, attached  to  the  body  of  Martin.  A  few  moments  com- 
pleted his  work. 

"  Shoot  me,  you  false  geveinsde  " — hypocrite — was  Mai  tiu?» 


56  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

fierce  expression  when  the  manner  in  which   he  was  bound 
was  plain  to  him. 

The  Indian  had  no  such  intention ;  but  putting  parched 
corn  within  the  reach  of  his  victim  to  preserve  him  alive  till 
some  future  time,  he  proceeded  to  smoke  the  fragrant  weed 
of  Virginia,  sitting  near  enough  to  his  prisoner  that  he  might 
inhale  its  influence,  and  thus  tormenting  him  as  much  as  pos- 
sible. 

"  Shandaagan,"  said  Martin,  in  a  tone  of  petition,  and  yet 
of  superiority,  "  unbind  these  strings,  and  tell  me  what  you 
want.  Is  it  Milldoleors  ?  You  can  have  them.  Come  to 
Hoogenhuisen  when  the  sun  rises." 

The  revengeful  savage  shook  his  head  ;  he  had  made  other 
calculations.  He  loved  a  sweeter  morsel.  Lighting  his  pipe 
again,  he  put  it  to  the  mouth  of  Martin,  who  instinctively 
began  to  puff,  away  as  if  the  old  clock  stood  ticking  at  his 
elbow  in  the  corner. 

"The  Wildcat  will  return;"  was  the  brief  reply  of  the 
Indian,  as  he  walked  away,  not  deigning  to  look  once  behind 
him.  His  thoughts  had  gone  back  to  Martin's  daughter,  and 
with  Rover's  help,  he  was  sure  of  finding  her ;  and  with  her, 
the  English  lady.  By  these  means  he  would  secure  both 
the  favor  of  Kiskataam  and  the  reward  of  Clifford.  He 
could  make  a  bargain  with  all  for  himself;  more  especially 
as  the  onslaught  of  Brandt  would  furnish  him  with  the 
means  of  escape,  should  he  become  entangled. 

We  must  leave  Martin  to  his  solitary  reflection,  as  the  In- 
dian pursued  his  way.  He  had  put  in  one  humbling  pe.ition 
as  his  captor  moved  off:  " Shandaagan  will  not  hurt  the 
squaws  at  Hoogenhuisen  ?"  He  looked  up  for  an  answer,  but 
the  bronze  face  of  the  redskin  was  imperturbably  fixed. 

"Let  the  Hedgehog  sleep,"  was  all  he  heard.  The  bit- 
terest of  the  parting  moment  was  to  have  Rover,  when  the 
Indian  drew  him  away,  whine  round  him,  and  even  lick  his 
lips.  But  a  kick  from  the  red  man  made  him  follow,  leaving 
the  disconsolate  master  without  a  single  earthly  friend  with- 
in call.  Death  by  falling  over  the  precipice  was  certain,  the 
instant  that  the  thongs  were  cut  away ;  and  they  must  be 
cut  asunder  to  let  him  go  free.  He  had  nothing  before  hi:;i 
now  but  to  wait  for  day,  and  hope  for  relief. 

The  Indian  in  the  meantime  pursued  his  return  to  the  pine 
orchard,  where  the  capturing  party  would  be  waiting  for  his 
report.  They  knew  that  he  had  gone  on  the  pursuit,  and  he 
umst  say  something.  He  determined  to  affect  ignorance  of 


DOUBTING   CASTLE — GIANT   DESPAIR.  57 

what  he  really  knew  concerning  Elsie.  He  found  Clifford  alone  ; 
so  walking  right  to  the  camp,  lie  cast  a  curious  glance  into 
the  bower  as  he  passed,  and  just  as  he  thought  himself  dis- 
covered by  Clifford,  his  eyes  dilated  sufficiently  to  express 
surprise  at  the  place  being  vacant.  The  Englishman  was 
standing  out  on  the  verge  of  the  rock,  as  near  to  the  edge  as 
it  was  possible  for  him  to  stand,  as  if  he  watched  the  ap- 
proach of  something  that  was  at  hand.  He  gave  a  quick 
start  as  Shandaagan  came  up  to  him,  saying  : 

"They  call  you  Wildcat;  your  steps  are  as  soft  and  sly  as 
.hat  animal's.  "Where  have  you  been  hunting  all  night? 
.lave  you  seen  aught  of  our  Fawn  ?" — he  was  going  to  say, 
>ut  he  checked  himself,  and  said  :  "  Our  friends  from  above  ? 
Anything  of  Brandt  ?" 

"  The  Dutchmen  have  kindled  their  fire  on  the  hills  ;"  and 
•pointing  with  his  finger  to  the  river,  he  said,  "their  fiery 
,ongues  are  crying  back  to  the  mountains." 

"  Oh,  you  mean  to  say  that  the  whole  country  is  alarmed  ; 
veil,  I  suppose  that  must  be  the  case,  from  all  the  signs  uf 
vhe  times.  Have  you  met  any  of  our  scouts  ?  or  have  you 
seen  the  " — 

And  with  that,  he  pointed  with  his  finger  to  the  empty 
bower. 

Shandaagan  shook  his  head,  and  said  softly — for  he  wished 
to  keep  in  favor  with  Clifford,  and  yet  elude  his  questions — 
"  Wildcat  cannot  catch  Fawn." 

"  No,  but  Wildcat  could  hunt  for  Fawn,  and  then,"  hold- 
ing out  a  purse  through  which  the  coin  glittered,  he  said, 
coaxingly,  u  that  shall  be  the  reward  for  bringing  her  iu  to- 
day or  to-morrow." 

This  was  just  what  the  Indian  was  seeking — the  commission 
of  search ;  and  if  Kiskataam  would  join  the  Englishman  in  the 
wish,  he  would  begin  immediately.  He  was  listening  with 
eager  ear  for  that  wily  chief,  whom  he  knew  could  not  be  far 
off;  when,  all  at  once,  he  appeared,  as  if  he  had  risen  out  of 
the  ground.  He  had  heard  the  sinister  tones  of  Clifford, 
and  soon  saw  Wildcat,  and  came  to  prevent  a  conspiracy 
which  ho  suspected  already.  He  was  sure  that  the  English- 
man could  never  find  out  his  captives  without  help  ;  and  now 
the  only  help  he  could  find  \v.as  on  hand  ;  his  best  way  ot 
preventing  a  combination  against  himself,  was  to  enter  into 
the  fellowship,  and  be  one  of  the  leaders.  He  could  act  for 
himself  none  the  less.  He  hoped  to  control  the  movements 
and  skil1  of  his  brother  Indian,  and  thus  leave  the  Englishman 


58  THE    DUTCH    I.OMINIK. 

at  fault.  So,  assuming  a  bland  look,  he  came  forward  as  if 
nothing  had  happened  to  disturb  the  equanimity  of  the  night ; 
sat  down  at  the  fire  and  prepared  his  pipe,  pointing  at  the 
same  time  to  the  slain  deer.  Shandaagan  understood  the 
movement,  and  proceeded  to  cut  off  choice  collops  for  their 
breakfast,  which  he  put  with  care  upon  the  red  coals,  now  in 
a  fine  condition  for  broiling  that  tender  meat.  In  half  an 
hour  all  the  three  were  in  the  best  possible  temper  of  mind. 
Clifford  had  a  flask  of  brandy,  which  had  the  usual  effect  of 
i  vhilurating  the  spirits,  and  drowning  all  care. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE   EYELIDS    OF   THE   MORNING. 

"  Within  a  savage  cave  beneath  the  mount, 

Closed  in  the  shades,  the  warriors  passed  the  night 

But  when  the  sun  from  Heaven's  eternal  fount, 

Thro'  the  brown  forest  shed  his  golden  light, 

•  Up,  up !'  at  once  they  cried ;  and  either  knight 

With  rival  zeal  along  the  track  of  frost. 

Began  the  ascent ;  when  on  their  startled  sight, 

Whence  they  knew  not,  in  various  colors  glowed 

Their  onward  path,  a  fierce  and  frightful  serpent  crossed." 

TA860. 

DAY  had  dawned  upon  the  east,  before  the  fugitive  lady 
and  her  deliverer  had  risen  from  their  couch.  Teunis  had 
undertaken  to  watch  while  they  slept,  and  faithfully  did  he 
fulfill  his  trust ;  and  though  urged  by  Elsie,  in  softer  tones 
than  she  would  have  given  forth  at  another  time,  he  remained 
alert  and  vigilant  still,  by  their  side.  They  all  three  stood 
behind  a  jutting  crag  on  a  higher  shoulder  of  the  Kaatsbergs, 
than  that  flat  rock  on  which  the  lady  Margaret  had  been 
rescued  on  the  previous  night.  She  had  already  learned  tha; 
they  were  her  friends.  Indeed,  her  confidence  in  them  was 
entire  on  the  instant  they  had  found  a  resting-place,  free  from 
alarm.  They  had  done  all  that  any  human  beings  could  have 
done  to  quiet  her  agitation  and  induce  her  to  fall  asleep. 
She  called  them  her  guardian  angels,  sent  in  answer  to  her 
mother's  prayers ;  and,  though  she  started  in  her  dreams 
several  times,  still,  as  Teunis  reported,  she  seemed  to  sleep 
soundly  for  two  hours,  when  she  opened  her  eyes  in  surprise, 
but  not  in  alarm. 


THE   EYELIDS   OF   THE   MORNING.  59 

"  Delightful  vision  I  have  had !"  were  her  first  \v  ords.  "  I  was 
on  board  the  ship  once  more,  and  my  mother  rocked  me  in 
my  little  hammock,  singing  the  old  lullaby.  'Hush,  my 
dear,  lie  still  and  slumber.'  What  do  you  think,  Elsie,  for  so 
you  say  I  must  call  you,  is  that  such  a  dream  as  forebodes 

gnod  ?" 

"  Yes,  my  lady,  all  dreams  in  which  a  good  Providence  ife 
seen  are  of  the  right  kind.  Our  Dominie  tells  us  in  his 
preaching,  that  the  angels  are  '  alien  gedienstige  geesten,  die 
tot  dienst  uitgezonden  worden  om  dergenen  wil,  die  de  zalig- 
heid  beernen  zullen.'  But  I  forget  myself;  you  do  not  under- 
stand our  tongue — it  means  that  the  angels  are  servants  to 
the  pure  hearted,  and  no  doubt  but  our  Heavenly  Father  has 
sent  these  holy  spirits  to  your  pillow,  my  dear  lady,  this 
night." 

"  Call  me  Margaret  if  you  will,"  said  the  pleased  and 
bright  blue-eyed  damsel,  already  recovering  from  the  effects 
of  her  horrid  captivity.  "  Tell  me,  if  you  please,  what  your 
parish  priest  says  about  those  good  things,  for  he  must  be  a 
good  man,  since  you  are  so  kind." 

"  Not  our  priest,  Miss  Margaret,  but  our  Dominie — our 
minister  ;  it  is  true  he  is  one  of  the  good  men,  whom  we  love 
to  hear  speak,  and  you  would  love  him  too,  were  he  here  just 
now,  looking  out  on  that  rising  light.  See  where  the  dawn  is 
just  peering  out  above  those  hills  iar  out  yonder.  It  is  but  a 
narrow  border,  yet  watch,  and  see  how  it  will  spread. 

"  Yes,  I  cannot  help  looking,  and  it  reminds  me  of  that 
beautiful  Psalm  that  says,  'I  will  watch  for  thee,  as  they 
who  watch  for  the  eyelids  of  the  morning  ;'  for  see  how  like 
that  is  to  the  opening  lids  of  a  child,  when  it  looks  up  for  its 
mother.  But  1  wish  I  had  not  thought  of  the  word  mother 
just  now ;  as  I  look  upon  that  scene,  it  seems  as  if  it  is  sel- 
fishness not  to  forget  everything  else." 

"This  is  no  place  for  despair,  fair  lady,"  said  Teunis,  who 
hesitatingly  took  part  in  the  conversation.  "  There  are  hun- 
dreds of  good  friends  below  who  will  risk  their  lives  for  you. 
Kest  must  be  taken  here  to-day,  and  I  will  go  down  to  pre- 
pare the  means  of  deliverance." 

"  Thanks,  oh,  a  thousand  thanks  to  you,  and  a  rich  reward 
awaits  you.  My  father  will  give  up  all  he  is  worth  for  his 
daughter.  We  are  a  happy  family,  when  together.  But  oh, 
how  miserable  that  cabin  is  at  this  moment." 

"  Look  up,  my  lady,"  said  Teunis,  for  he  was  becoming 
bolder,  as  he  saw  the  bad  state  in  which  the  poor  exile  was. 


GO  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Look  up ;  see,  there  is  hope  for  you.  The  dawn  gets 
brighter ;  noAV  wait  and  watch  till  the  sun  springs  out  of  his 
beef." 

"Glorious!  glorious  king  of  day  rejoicing  in  the  east! 
never  did  I  see  thee  before.  No  marvel,  though  the  heathen 
fell  prone  at  sight  of  thee.  I  shall  not  think  of  myself 
here  amidst  such  majesty.  Not  a  cloud  up  there  except 
these  two  in  the  very  zenith.  Sparkling  golden  studs  grow- 
ing pale ;  and  that  azure  !  was  ever  aught  so  pure  over  this 
world  before!" 

Tennis,  who  felt  a  personal  pride  in, -the  scene,  and  who 
considered  himself  bound  in  honor  to  uphold  its  reputation 
over  all  the  world  beside,  stood  ready  to  show  off  all  the 
great  points  of  sublimity ;  and  Elsie,  equally  interested,  well 
knew  the  features  of  beauty,  so  that  between  the  two,  the 
English  maiden  was  likely  to  be  well  instructed  in  mountain 
panoramics. 

"  See  the  sun,  how  he  rises  like  a  great  captain,  surmounted 
by  a  helmet  of  gold,"  said  the  young  man.  "  Don't  wink  lest 
you  lose  a  single  ray." 

"  O  God  !"  said  the  enraptured  girl,  "  what  must  THOU  be 
thyself,  since  thy  servant  is  so  bright  and  beautiful  ?" 

Elsie  was  muttering  to  herself  a  Psalm  in  the  Holland 
tongue — Gy  kept  voor  maels  de  ae'rade  gegrondet,  ende  de 
"  keenelen  zen  tiwerk  uwer  handen." 

"  What  is  that  you  sing  ?"  said  the  lady,  "  tell  it  to  me  in 
English  ;  it  must  be  good  for  it  makes  your  face  shine." 

"I  am  saying  what  you  know  to  be  true,  perhaps,  at  this 
hour  more  than  you  ever  thought  before.  '  Of  oldthou  hast 
laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the 
work  of  thy  hands.'  But,  Miss  Margaret,  you  must  look  be- 
low, as  well  as  upward,  if  you  would  see  all  the  sublimity 
of  this  scene." 

And  with  that  the  stranger  looked  down,  exclaiming  in 
amazement,  "The  ocean,  the  sea,  the  sea!"  An  infinite  m-iss 
of  vapor  lay  so  thick  upon  the  valley  that  it  seemed  mon.; 
like  the  rolling  waves  than  a  cloud  of  mist.  "  And  is  it  pos- 
sible that  we  are  not  on  the  seashore.  Hark!  I  think  I  hear 
the  surge  as  it  breaks  against  the  rocks?  But  no,  we  are  on 
the  mountain,  as  I  know  full  well  from  the  journey  of  yestor- 
day.  Tell  me  if  it  be  possible  that  people  do  live  and  br«;a;,!uj 
down  there  in  that  awful  gulf." 

^"  Yes,"  was  Elsie's  reply  ;  "  thousands  are  at  this  hour  asleep. 
No    marvel    they   should  have    heavy    dreams,    com] tared 


THE   EYKLIDS   OF   THE   MORNING.  6l 

With  those  we  have  had  up  here  in  this  blue  ether.  See  how 
high  the  sun  has  bounded  already  on  his  journey ;  not  a  star 
to  be  seen  now.  Yes,  there  is  one,  the  blinkende  moryen- 
ster." 

"  You  mean  the  morning  star.  May  I  take  that  as  the 
sign  of  deliverance  ?  I  would  not  pray  to  that  orb,  but  to 
Him  who  said,  '  I  am  the  bright  and  morning  star.'  Be 
thou  that  so  to  me,  O  Saviour  of  men  ;"  and  the  poor,  feeble 
girl  was  again  turning  to  thoughts  of  herself,  when  Tennis 
called  out  to  see  how  the  whole  earth  was  in  motion  below. 

Grand  and  terrible  was  the  scene ;  even  these  two  natives, 
who  had  frequently  looked  on  the  like  before,  held  their 
breath  when  the  huge  masses  divided  and  turned,  as  icebergs 
are  seen  to  sink  and  rise  when  some  change  takes  place  in 
their  weight.  Then,  as  if  relieved  from  their  anchorage, 
they  made  a  sudden  plunge,  which  sent  the  waves  far  out  to 
the  verge  of  the  expanse.  It  would  have  been  some  relief 
had  there  been  the  least  noise,  but  the  silence  to  the  ear 
when  there  was  such  agitation  to  the  sight,  reminded  one  of 
what  we  have  read  of  the  gulf  which  divides  time  from 
eternity — neither  life  nor  death. 

"  I  have  read  somewhere  of  the  North  Seas,"  said  the  most 
intelligent  of  the  spectators,  "  of  the  hummocks  of  snow  and 
ice  which  move  through  these  death- like  seas,  and  where  the 
sky  is  like  living  crystal.  See  that  mountain  there,  rising  up 
as  if  giants  were  beneath  it  lifting  it.  Have  you  not  read, 
young  man,  of  the  gods  piling  mountains?" 

"  I  know*  nothing  of  such  books,"  said  Teunis.  "There  is 
one  passage  that  exactly  expresses  my  mind,  where  it  de- 
scribes the  clouds  as  the  dust  of  the  Almighty's  feet." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  Margaret ;  "  no  book  can  furnish  us 
with  words  fit  to  express  our  ideas  of  nature  equal  to  the  one 
you  quote  from,  and  yet  I  have  read  in  other  pages  descrip- 
tions which  at  this  moment  come  up  to  the  pictures  passing 
before  us.  See  there,  that  moving  tower,  pursuing  the  one 
still  vaster  that  swells  upward  and  onward.  I  can  imagine  the 
great  warriors  of  antiquity,  on  it,  roused  up  in  their  ancient 
armor,  bent  upon  a  great  expedition,  obeying  the  voice  of 
the  leader.  But  the  trumpets  are  silent," 

"  The  sun  is  their  only  leader  at  this  moment,"  said  Teunig. 
"  He  is  drawing  them  after  him.  Till  he  appeared  all  was 
quiet,  but  you  have  observed  that  from  the  instant  he  showed 
his  face  there  has  been  a  great  and  general  commotion. 

"  He  is  like  a  strong  man,"  said  Elsie,  "  going  forth  to  run 


62  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

his  race ;"  for  she  was  anxious  to  give  as  ranch  moral  in- 
fluence  to  the  conversation  as  might  strengthen  her  new 
friend  for  her  day's  work;  and  so  pointing  with  her  hand  to 
one  of  the  figures  which  appeared  on  the  clouds  below,  she 
asked  of  her  companions  if  that  did  not  "seem  like  what 
they  had  conceived  of  the  angel  who  would  put  his  foot  upon 
the  sea  and  upon  the  land,  lifting  his  hand  to  heaven  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  we  standing  up  high,  as  we  do  now,  seeing  the 
rising  dead.  "  These  misty  shapes  make  me  feel  awful,  even 
at  this  moment.  Shall  we  be  able,"  said  Margaret,  "  to  see 
the  dwellings  in  the  valley  when  the  mist  is  gone  ?  I  almost 
think  these  must  be  their  shadows,  grown  huge,  that  are 
lifted  up  ?» 

These  observations  were  disjointed  and  interjectional,  fol- 
lowed by  pauses  which  showed  that  the  spectators  were  full 
of  thoughts  that  partook  more  of  the  spiritual  than  of  the 
earthly.  It  was  reverie  uttered  at  intervals ;  musings  which 
elevated  the  soul  into  that  fellowship  with  spiritual  exist- 
ences, afterward  to  be  remembered  with  calm  delight.  The 
sight  recalled  to  the  more  highly  educated  of  the  three  some 
of  those  images  which  till  then  had  lain  sleeping  in  her 
memory,  and  half  whispering,  she  repeated  to  herself  those 
fine  lines  of  the  greatest  of  uninspired  sacred  poets : 

"  There  is  a  cave  within  the  mount  of  God, 
Fast  by  the  throne,  where  light  and  darkness 
In  perpetual  rounds  lodge  and  dislodge 
By  turns,  which  make  through  heaven 
Grateful  vicissitude  like  day  and  night ; 
Light  issues  forth,  and  at  the  other  door 
Obsequious  darkness  enters ;  but  now  goes 
Forth  the  morn'  arrayed  in  gold  empyreal." 

<€ There!  there!  is  the  earth  at  last!"  shouted  out  thj  en- 
raptured Teunis.  "  I  have  never  seen  it  as  we  see  it  now,  but 
I  think  on  the  sailor  crying  from  the  mast-head,  land !  land  !'* 

"  I  never  see  it,"  said  Elsie,  "  but  I  think  on  the  morning 
stars,  shouting  for  joy  when  the  dry  land  appeared  at  creation. 
Is  it  not  beautiful,  Miss  Margaret  ?" 

"It  is;  but  what  is  that  we  see,  like  a  white  line,  passing 
through  the  whole,  as  far  as  we  can  look,  north  and  south  ?" 

"Let  the  lady  find  out  herself  without  our  help,"  said 
Teunis;  "watch  and  you  will  see;"  and  the  young  Dutch- 
man, full  of  honest  feeling,  looked  from  the  face  of  the  eager 
spectator  to  the  object  she  gazed  upon,  and  back  again. 


THE    EYELIDS    OF    THE   MORNING.  t>?. 

"  The  river !  the  river !"  said  the  enraptured  gazer.  "  The 
famous  Hudson,  where  the  Indian  canoes  once  swam  as  lightly 
as  the  swan,  till  the  enterprising  Hendrick  Hudson  came  and 
sailed  up  as  far  as  Albany.  He  says  he  '  saw  very  high  moun- 
tains on  the  west  of  him,  and  very  old  men  on  the  banks.'  How 
high  we  must  be,  for  it  seems  but  a  narrow  stream.  Alas !  I 
ought  to  know  it  well,  after  what  I  have  endured  near  it  since  I 
left  the  ship.  The  ship !  yes,  oh,  the  ship  must  be  seen  from  this 
height.  I  think  I  see  it  lying  close  by  the  shore,  there  waiting 
for  me.  Look,  dear  Elsie,  and  tell  me  if  that  be  not  the  broad 
pennon  of  St.  George  that  we  see  yonder." 

"  I  am  afraid  not,"  said  the  mountain  girl.  "  There  are 
too  many  clouds  floating  there  yet  to  allow  us  to  see  any  ves- 
sel from  this  distance.  See  these  shadows  how  they  pass  and 
repass  all  along  the  river,  so  silently,  and,  I  was  going  to  say, 
so  solemnly.  They  always  picture  to  ray  mind  the  valley  of 
death,  where  they  say  spirits  are  moving  before  the  eyes  of 
the  dying." 

"It  is,  indeed,"  said  Margaret,  "a  scene  that  might  well 
impress  awe  upon  the  superstitious.  A  Greek  could  imagine 
that  river  to  be  the  dark  Styx,  and  these  the  ghosts  of  heroes 
crossing  in  Charon's  boat.  See  how  large  everything  seems, 
and  how  far  they  move  from  us  Avhenever  a  larger  cloud 
comes  over.  I  wish  that  veil  would  clear  away.  I  long  to 
look  down  into  the  eyes  of  the  sleepers." 

"  Lady  Margaret,"  interrupted  Teunis,  "  it  is  time  for  me 
to  leave.  There  is  soon  to  be  bloody  work  below ;  and  I 
must  be  there  to  act  my  part.  You  will  be  as  well  taken  care 
of  as  if  I  were  present." 

This  was  said  as  a  word  of  encouragement ;  for  the  speaker 
perceived  that  fear  was  overcoming  the  unhappy  girl,  and 
that  his  presence  was  becoming  necessary  to  her  comfort,  as 
she  had  not  yet  learned  to  confide  in  one  of  her  own  sex. 
"  The  troubles  below,"  continued  he,  "  will  divert  the  atten- 
tion of  your  pursuer  from  you.  After  a  few  days,  we  will 
find,  means  of  taking  you  to  your  friends.  In  the  meantime, 
Elsie,  keep  away  from  the  kekutes  ;  for  these  wily  redskins 
can  tell  a  woman  from  an  owl  in  the  dark ;  and  give  them 
but  a  glimpse  of  your  bright  hair,  dangling  in  the  sunshine, 
and  a  bullet  shall  be  sent  to  you  that  will  bring  you  down. 
Then,  what  shall  I  say  to  Martin  Schuyler?" 

"  Oh,  you  can  say  that  the  Tories  have  run  away  with 
Elsie,"  was  the  sly  answer  of  the  Boerman's  daughter.  "  Go, 
as  we  planned  it  already,  and  be  sure  and  bring  some  ole- 


64  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

cakes  and  cheese,  and  a  bottle  of  milk;  and — a  word  more," 
after  he  had  gone  a  few  steps,  she  running  down  the  hill  till 
she  came  close  up  to  him,  "Go  in  and  comfort  mammy,  as 
you  pass.  Teh1  her  good  news;  the  best  you  can  frame. 
And  " 

"  And  what,  dearest  Elsie  ?  One  word  more,  and  let  that 
be  HOPE.  You  know  how  some  words  put  lii'e  into  the  feel 
of  the  runner:  and  the  Dominie  says,  '  want  wij  zijn.  in  hope 
zalig  geworden.'  " 

"  Yes,  Teunis,  '  we  are  saved  by  hope,'  but  that  means  for 
another  life.  We  have  something  else  to  think  of  than  the 
present  world,  in  these  sad  times ;  but  if" —  And  the  damsel 
paused,  and  sighed,  and  then  looking  up,  said,  "  Go,  Tennis, 
and  my  prayers  shall  go  with  you." 

"  And  your  word,  Elsie,  is  hope  ?" 

"  Hope,  then,"  said  the  modest  maiden,  as  she  returned 
to  her  charge ;  feeling  all  the  burd-en  of  her  responsibility, 
now  that  she  was  left  alone  with  the  feeble  thing  that  she  had 
dared  to  rescue,  as  a  bird  out  of  the  hand  of  the  fowler. 

Both  of  the  young  women  felt  lonely ;  and  something  like 
terror  crept  over  them  as  they  were  watching  the  movements 
of  their  departing  companion,  which  they  could  not  long 
discern,  as  it  was  not  for  the  safety  of  either  party  that  he 
should  let  himself  be  seen  from  above.  So,  Elsie,  who  was 
the  strongest  in  mind  and  in  body,  as  well  as  larger  in  ex- 
perience, turned  the  attention  of  her  ward,  as  soon  as  possible, 
to  other  objects  than  herself.  She  had  already  got  the  key 
to  her  natural  character — a  wrapt  enthusiasm  for  nature — 
and  she  wisely  used  that  for  her  own  benefit. 

"  Here  we  are,  then,  upon  the  high  hills,  and  how  small  we 
look  to  ourselves  when  we  turn  our  thoughts  upon  our  frail 
forms.  Do  they  have  as  high  mountains  in  your  country, 
Miss  Margaret  ?" 

"No,  Elsie,  we  have  not  any  lofty  mountains,"  said  her 
sorrowful  companion,  who  was  making  an  effort  to  overcome 
her  feelings,  as  she  guessed  the  kind  design  of  her  comforter. 
"The  mountains  of  England  are  not  so  high  as  these,  but  I 
have  seen  the  Alps,  which  are  much  higher  than  these  Kaats- 
bergs ;  and  I  am  reminded  by  the  scene  of  this  morning,  ol 
similar  grandeur  ;  and  my  thoughts  run  to  friends  who  were 
there  with  me,  and  I  am  afraid  that  I  shall  make  but  a  poor 
follower  of  yours  to-day.  I  have  seen  the  day  when  I  could 
have  wished  myself  an  eagle,  that  I  might  perch  on  that 
highest  point;  but  now,  I  could  crawl  on  the  lowest  part  ol 


THE   EYELIDS   OF   THE   MORNING.  65 

the  ground.  Trouble  humbles  the  proud  heart,  clearest 
Elsie." 

"  Oh  yes,  lady.  So  I  have  heard  our  good  Dominie  say, 
and  he  has  been  on  those  high  mountains  you  speak  of  in  his 
youth.  And  sometimes  in  these  days  of  trouble,  he  will  break 
out  in  great  raptures,  and  sing  in  the  words  of  the  good  book, 
so  that  we  all  feel  quite  strong,  and  ready  for  any  trial.  I 
•wish  you  could  but  understand  Dutch." 

"  Say  it  to  me,  if  you  please ;  though  I  do  not  understand 
it,  your  voice  will  direct  my  mind  away  from  myself  to  the 
Good  Being,  who  only  can  deliver  me  now." 

"  That  is  true,  and  the  words  are  comforting,  and  always 
cheer  me,  as  you  may  be  sustained  if  you  could  but  under- 
stand them ;  but  I  will  try  and  give  you  their  meaning  :  O 
myne  duve  synde  in  de  kloven  der  steenrotsen,  in't  verbor- 
gen,  eener  steiler  plaetse  toond  my  uwe  stemme  hooren  want 
uwe  stemme  is  zoet  en  uwe  gadaente  is  lieffelyk.  Now,  I 
wish  I  could  give  you  the  English  of  that ;  but  it  is  about  a 
clove  in  the  cloves  of  the  mountains,  in  the  secret  places  of 
the  stairs;  and  then  it  says" 

"  Oh,  I  can  tell  you  the  other  part :  '  Let  me  see  thy 
face,  let  me  hear  thy  voice ;  for  sweet  is  thy  voice,  and  thy 
countenance  is  comely.'  " 

"  There  now ;  I  have  often  heard  these  beautiful  words," 
said  the  stranger,  "  but  never  till  now  have  I  seen  their 
beauty,  and  their  promise  of  deliverance  to  myself.  Here 
I  am,  a  weak  dove  on  these  high  hills,  but  I  cannot  fly. 
Those  who  love  me  are  far  from  me.  O !  God,  let  me  see 
thy  face  in  these  secret  places.  Let  these  mountains  whereon 
thy  feet  shall  come,  be  as  the  stairs  of  thy  palace,  that  I 
may  be  delivered.  Surely,  dear  Elsie,  these  words  were 
sent  to  your  lips  by  the  Good  Spirit,  for  me.  Let  me  hear 
more  of  them." 

"  We  have  spoken  enough  of  these  fine  words,  young  lady, 
it  is  time  for  us  to  do  something  to  provide  against  coming 
danger."  And  with  that,  the  two  young  women,  like  sisters, 
moved  on,  where  the  strongest  led  the  weakest  by  the  hand, 
as  a  mother  leads  a  child.  So  helpless  was  the  late  captive, 
and  so  easily  would  she  have  been  again  ensnared,  but  for 
the  prudence  and  love  of  her  guardian. 


66  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

REVENGE  IS  SWEET. 
A  monster,  huge  and  hideous,  void  of  sight." — COWLET. 

THIS  was  a  busy  day  for  the  young  Dutchman.  Like  all 
his  race,  he  was  slow  to  move,  but  once  under  way,  he  was 
like  one  of  those  arks  to  be  seen  on  the  Scheldt,  which 
nothing  can  stop  in  the  current.  Now  being  wakened  up, 
his  duty  was  becoming  more  evident.  The  country  stood 
out  in  its  size  and  importance  more  than  ever ;  and,  like 
an  arch  into  which  they  were  just  pressing  the  keystone,  he 
heard  a  cheerful  call  of  Elsie,  saying,  the  more  you  put  on 
me,  the  more  can  be  borne.  He  grew  stronger,  and  more 
decided  at  every  step ;  for  his  mind  and  conscience  were  alike 
in  action. 

"  I  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  my  father ;"  there  are 
other  persons  in  the  world  he  would  have  said,  but  he  re- 
membered the  uncertainty  of  his  condition  at  the  moment, 
and  he  hesitated  to  say  the  words  "  Elsie  and  country." 

"  Country,"  thought  he,  "  what  have  I  done  to  merit 
a  country;  standing  like  a  great  goose,  as  I  have  been, 
first  on  one  foot,  then  on  another,  as  I  felt  it  hot  or  cold, 
or  was  tired.  I  must  stand  on  my  two  feet  if  I  deserve  the 
name  of  a  man ;  and  the  love  of  Elsie.  She  is  not  the  girl  to 
favor  a  goose :"  and  the  slow  intellect  of  the  meditator 
smiled  at  his  own  wit.  Like  all  honest  men,  he  was  trying 
to  satisfy  his  conscience  first,  and  then  he  hoped  to  pursue 
his  own  interest  the  more  successfully.  That  was  after  all 
paramount.  His  conscience  was  on  the  side  of  the  country, 
and  it  was  all  the  easier  for  him  to  work  in  his  new  harness, 
since  his  heart  was  there,  because  Elsie  was  also  there ;  and  it 
only  required  a  small  force  in  addition,  to  place  himself 
wholly  there.  At  the  present  moment  he  must  work  pru- 
dently ;  but  he  would  do  his  duty,  and  not  flinch  to-day. 

"  I  ought  first  to  go  to  Hoogenhuisen  and  see  how  Anshela 
gets  on,  for  I  am  afraid  all  is  not  right  there  in  the  absence  of 
both  Martin  and  Elsie;  but  then  I  have  been  so  long  from 
home,  they  will  suspect  me  in  these  suspicious  days  unless  I 
show  my  face  ;  and  daddy  will  miss  Grey  more  than  myself, 
for  it  is  past  the  time  of  h;«  feeding  him :  and  now,  when  I 


KEVENGE   18   SWEET.  67 

think  of  it,  the  poor  animal  has  stood  all  night  tied  to  that 
tree.    There  he  is  whinnying  just  now  that  he  hears  my  step." 

By  this  time  he  had  reached  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  was 
astride  of  his  good  nag,  that  was  not  unwilling  to  receive 
his  burden.  Perhaps  had  the  animal  shown  the  least  inclina- 
tion to  go  up  toHoogenhuisen,  where  he  had  been  so  often,  and 
where  he  had  been  fed  with  many  a  good  mess  of  oats,  the 
man  would  not  have  checked  the  rein ;  but  he  trotted  freely 
down  the  way  to  his  own  stable,  the  master  saying  to  himself 
"  well,  go  ;  I  shall  find  out  the  state  of  things  below,  and  be  all 
the  better  prepared  to  elude  these  redskins,  whether  led  by 
Brandt  or  Kiskataam ;  for  Brandt,  after  all,  is  at  the  bottom 
of  this  game,  though  the  mountain  chief  seems  to  be  playing 
the  main  part  up  here  just  now.  The  lady,  in  some  mysteri- 
ous way,  has  been  taken  by  the  Tories,  for  some  Tory  pur- 
pose. Why  she  should  be  of  their  own  blood  is  more  than 
my  dull  head  can  see  through.  Elsie  says  she  can  under- 
stand the  reason,  but  I  cannot ;  and  no  matter.  It  is  our 
duty  to  deliver  her  ;  be  she  of  the  Whig  or  of  the  Tory  race, 
I  will  fight  on  her  side." 

With  such  reflections  in  his  mind,  new  to  himself,  arid 
therefore  all  the  more  oppressive  to  his  breast,  he  came  with- 
in sight  of  his  home,  that  lay,  like  most  of  the  houses  of  the 
early  settlers  from  Holland,  in  a  hollow  between  two  of  the 
low  hills  that  lie  at  the  foot  of  the  Kaatsbergs.  The  moun- 
tain stream  ran  through  the  meadow  before  the  wealthy  Boer- 
man's  door,  surrounded  as  that  was  with  trees  of  the  forest, 
which  had  never  been  cleared  away ;  or  had  come  up  a  se- 
cond growth  since  his  grandfather  took  up  his  abode  there. 
It  was  a  rich  farm,  and  had  been  one  of  those  spots  on  which 
the  aborigines  had  raised  their  "  maize,  their  beans,  and  their 
pompkins."  Some  of  the  ancient  apple  and  plum  trees, 
which  came  from  no  one  can  tell  where,  were  now  yielding 
their  fruit  to  the  hands  of  another  race. 

Teunis  was  met  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  as  he  was  passing 
through  a  bunch  of  pines,  by  an  old  negro  wench,  whom 
they  :il!  called  mammy,  who  stood  up  in  the  road  and  stopped 
him,  by  holding  up  her  finger  in  a  warning  attitude  ;  which 
he,  in  his  present  state  of  mind,  was  unable  to  despise  ; 
though  he  did  his  best,  by  trying  to  pass  her  with  a  "  Good 
morning,  mammy ;  what  brings  you  here  so  far  from  the  pigs 
and  the  chickens,  so  early  in  the  day." 

"  Mammy's  chic'ns  fly  like  de  patriches,  and  me  must  foU 
low  dem." 


08  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

44  *lt,  have  you  found  them,  Dora  ?"  said  Teunis,  affect- 
ing to  understand  her  literally.  "  They  must  be  ducks  you 
are  seeding,  or  they  could  not  cross  the  creek." 

"  Nae,  nae,  duck  neber  flee  to  de  mountains,  chick'ns  keep 
'bout  de  doors.  Patriches  run  avay,  and  hide  der  eyes,  den 
tink  nobody  seed  dem." 

"  Explain  yourself,  Dora,"  for  the  young  man  saw  that  she 
was  in  earnest  about  something,  and  he  was  anxious  for  in- 
formation which  might  unfold  what  he  wanted  to  knoA\". 
Besides  he  knew  that  old  Dora  was  faithful,  and  he  needed 
a  confident  friend  in  some  one  :  so  he  at  once  said,  "  tell  me 
mammy,  has  any  one  been  seeking  after  Teunis  last  night *"' 

"  Mammy  had  dark  tream,"  and  here  the  poor  creature's 
tears  began  to  run.  "  Teunis  baby  boy  again  ;  but  Teuny  fall 
over  the  vlat  rock  and  got  wings,  den  flew  away  to  Hoogen- 
tuisen  vere  Martin  feed  him  wid  whiggee  corn." 

"  Come  Dora,  none  of  that  nonsense,"  said  Teunis,  impa- 
tiently,* "  tell  me  what  you  are  here  for.  Have  you  anything 
to  tell  me  about  the  Indians?" 

At  that  word  the  old  creature  became  as  bright  as  an 
old  African  can  be,  and  opened  her  bag  of  secrets  to  Teunis, 
so  perfectly  that  he  became  fully  aware  of  his  danger,  and 
before  he  left  her,  had  made  out,  in  his  own  mind,  the  plan 
he  should  pursue  immediately.  The  conversation  was  car- 
ried on  in  a  low,  quiet  whisper,  for  at  least  ten  minutes.  At 
parting  she  looked  in  his  face,  as  if  examining  the  lines  of 
feeling  that  might  be  traced  there,  and  at  the  close  of  the  in- 
vestigation, she  drew  her  own  palm  over  her  brow,  saying, 

"Look  to  de  high  peak  ven  de  storm  is  past,  de  vind 
sweeps  de  vet  dust  off,  and  the  face  is  clear  as  de  morning." 

Teunis  rode  on,  taking  the  hint  by  bringing  his  thoughts  and 
looks  into  proper  subjection,  before  he  met  his  father,  who 
Dora  told  him  had  been  asking  after  him  twice  since  six 
o'clock.  In  ten  minutes  more  he  was  in  the  barn  attending 
to  some  duties,  which  he  knew  belonged  to  his  share  of  the 
usual  work,  with  as  much  earnestness  as  if  nothing  else  was 
in  his  mind.  There  his  father  found  him.  Whether  he  was 
aware  of  his  absence  through  the  night  or  not,  did  not  ap- 
peal ;  but  the  moment  he  came  within  sight  of  his  son,  the 
working  of  his  lips  showed  that  an  unusual  agitation  had 
been  moving  him  all  that  morning,  and  was  now  to  be  ex- 
pressed. The  son  feared  that  his  own  thoughts  had  become 
known  in  some  mysterious  way,  as  they  had  been  already 
partially  revealed  to  old  Dora,  as  he  found  from  more  than 


REVENGE   IS    SWEET. 

her  dreams.  There  was  some  medium  between  her  and  the 
mist  on  the  mountain,  which  he  could  not  trace,  and  from  her 
former  character,  he  was  still  more  inclined  than  ever  to  be- 
lieve that  she  held  communications  with  the  geests  *  she  had 
so  often  frightened  them  with  when  they  were  children.  For 
the  fact  wns,  that  sometimes  being  overborne  by  the  noise  and 
the  rudeness  of  the  youngsters,  when  they  intruded  upon  the 
kitchen,  her  own  proper  domain,  she  had  to  have  recourse  to 
the  very  means  which  white  nurses  have  of  stilling  their  noisy 
brood,  bringing  the  fetish  on  them,  Avhich  Avas  equally  effec- 
tual with  geest  or  witch,  only  that  her  goblin  was  of  African 
color,  where  she  declared  there  was  one  so  large,  that  he 
could  swallow  an  ox  and  three  pigs  for  his  supper,  with  a& 
many  little  white  babies  as  could  be  found.  All  of  these 
stones  had  their  influence  on  Tennis — not  yet  abated  entirely. 
This  morning  had  renewed  his  wonder  ;  where  the  old  wench 
could  have  obtained  her  knowledge  of  him  and  of  his  very 
thoughts  when  she  had  not  seen  him  since  the  morning 
before  !  When  Jacobus  Roe  then  stepped  into  the  barn  as 
he  did,  his  son  Teunis  was  in  some  measure  moved  in  feelin  f 
through  sympathy,  and  might  by  a  more  skillful  or  more  su  <- 
picious  parent  have  been  thrown  off  his  guard.  Luckily  for 
him,  the  old  man  could  only  entertain  one  idea  at  a  time,  ami 
the  idea  now  was  the  King  and  his  cause.  To  sustain  Toryism 
he  was  ready  to  sacrifice  all  he  had  in  the  world,  family  and 
farm  ;  nor  did  he  dream  for  a  moment  that  he  could  come  to 
a  loss,  since  Brandt  had  arrived  to  carry  off  the  Whiggies. 
After  they  were  moved  the  whole  country  would  be  as  quiet 
as  his  pigs  after  the  bieren — bears — were  driven  away,  and 
they  lying  down  in  their  straw,  well  fed.  The  Whigs  and  the 
bears  were  the  same  thing  in  a  measure,  to  the  old  Boerman. 
"  Teunis,  sonnee,  I  vant  tee  to  run  for  me  to  te  top  ol" — 
Here  Teunis  looked  into  his  father's  face  ready  to  frame  an 
excuse,  or  in  some  way  to  get  rid  of  being  hindered  in  what  he 
must  do,  whatever  should  be  the  consequence,  to  save  Elsie 
and  her  captive  friend  ;  but  to  his  great  relief,  he  found  that 
he  might  both  run  his  father's  errand,  and  serve  his  own 
cause ;  for  the  father,  going  on  slowly,  said,  with  some  hesi- 
tation and  under  liis  usual  tone,  "  Tee  must  run  to  te  top 
of  te  clove  and  look  sout'  and  nort',  and  stand  allee  day  till 
tee  see  smoke  rising  from  Sopus,  den  come  back  vere  tou 
vill  be  vanted.  Tak  de  sorrel  mare  wid  tee,  and  do  not  spare 
de  spur  nor  de  vipp,  nor  yourselv." 

«  Ghosts. 


70  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

This  was  an  extraordinary  license  on  the  part  of  old 
Yaacob,  who  loved  his  horses  with  an  affection  that  ap- 
proached the  human  feeling,  as  near  as  it  could  come.  By 
this  token,  the  son  saw  that  the  crisis  was  drawing  to  a  point ; 
and  lest  he  should  be  laid  under  some  definite  obligation,  lie 
hastened  to  fill  the  letter  of  the  injunction,  with  an  alacrity 
that  pleased  the  old  man,  so  that  the  smile  of  satisfaction  came 
up  over  his  grim  face,  breaking  after  five  minutes  into  words. 
"  Ha!  deze  jongeling*  vill  make  de  Whiggees  run,  I  guess." 
That  lad  was  the  pride  of  his  heart,  and  he  hoped  to  see  him 
made  a  captain  before  long. 

At  the  door  of  the  kitchen,  where  Teunis  had  stopped  on 
a  visit  to  old  Dora's  larder,  he  met  his  mother,  who  was  under 
as  much  emotion  as  her  large  frame  would  allow  her  to  bear ; 
as  she  came  forward  she  merely  looked  at  him,  whispering  in 
his  ear,  "geen  huisknecht  lean  twee  heeren  dienen  y"  f  and  with 
her  heart  full,  she  turned  and  left  him  in  amazement.  She 
was  no  sooner  out  of  sight  than  Dora  waddled  up,  putting  her 
fingers  to  her  lips,  intending  to  impose  silence  on  Teunis;  a 
state  she  could  not  remain  in  herself;  for,  with  as  much  so- 
lemnity as  she  could  piit  into  her  dark  face,  she  said,  as  she 
touched  him,  "  Miene  kinder  J  dere  be  geesten  vatching  de, 
tak  dat ;"  and  she  thrust  a  smooth  black  stone  into  his  bosom, 
throwing  a  thong,  made  of  a  snake  skin,  which  ran  through 
it,  over  his  neck ;  mumbling  something,  seemingly  a  prayer, 
as  she  went  back  to  her  work.  This  stone  Teunis  had  seen 
a  few  times  before,  on  occasions  when  Dora  was  excited,  as 
she  was  just  now;  and  lie  remembered  once  when  he  was  a 
boy,  that  going  on  a  hunting  excursion,  when  Dora  thought 
he  must  be  in  danger,  that  she  did  the  same  thing  as  now. 
His  leaving  his  paternal  dwelling  under  all  these  circum- 
stances, was  calculated  to  waken  up  any  dormant  sensations 
that  might  be  sleeping  in  his  breast.  The  double  errand  on 
which  he  was  bound,  the  responsibility  laid  upon  him,  his 
own  interests  in  the  events  of  the  day ;  and  the  parting  he 
had  just  made  with  those  who  loved  him,  together  with  the 
hope  of  securing  the  approval  and  the  love  of  one  now  dearer 
to  him  than  life,  made  him  solemn.  But  the  words  of  his 
mother  were  to  him  the  heaviest  sounds:  "  Xo  man  can 
serve  two  masters."  "Mother,"  said  the  honest  youth  to 
himself,  "  you  are  right.  This  shall  be  my  last  service  to 
King  George;  and  if  I  guess  right,  it  will  not  displease  you, 
that  it  should  be  so.  I  have  long  thought  I  knew  where  her 

*  This  young  man.  f  No  servant  can  serve  two  masters.         J  Child 


REVENGE   IS   SWEET.  71 

heart  was,  and  maybe  she  has  heard  me  speak  in  my  sleep ; 
for  I  have  dreamed  before  this  of  shaking  my  heid  clear  of 
the  English  colors,  when  my  father,  honest  man,  was  put- 
ting the  flag  over  me."  With  these  reflections,  he  put  spurs 
to  his  horse,  that  felt  the  spirit  of  his  rider  and  was  ofi"  like 
an  arrow,  up  the  hill.  He  was  noticed  by  Dora,  whom  he 
did  not  see  ;  for  there  seemed  to  hang  over  the  whole  scene 
a  stillness,  which,  to  the  oppressed  and  superstitious  mind  of 
the  rider,  was  in  the  highest  degree  ominous.  Not  a  living 
thing  could  be  seen  ;  cattle  were  driven  far  into  the  woods  ; 
horses  were  tied  in  some  cave,  and  even  the  poultry  were 
caged  in  the  bush.  The  houses  seemed  to  be  all  deserted, 
except  where  some  old  negro  slave,  and  his  ancient  wench  of 
a  Wife,  were  left  to  keep  a  sort  of  watch  over  things  of  no 
value.  It  was  a  lonely  and  melancholy  ride  ;  and  to  add  to 
Teunis's  sense  of  the  fearful,  as  he  went  on  at  full  speed,  he 
saw,  crossing  his  road  at  a  little  distance,  one  of  those  bears 
which  were  numerous  in  these  regions.  He  moved  slowly 
till  the  horseman  came  near,  when  he  sprung  up  a  tree  that 
overhung  the  path,  looking  down  through  the  branches  at  the 
intruder  upon  his  domains,  with  a  calm  superiority  which  was 
provoking  to  a  hunter's  spirit.  But  there  was  no  time  to 
waste  in  parleying  with  Bruin  ;  so,  on  the^  rider  went,  mark- 
ing the  tree  with  his  eye  ;  for  he  saw  that  the  sweet  tooth  of 
the  animal  would  incline  him  to  return  there  some  other  time, 
when  they  might  be  on  more  equal  terms. 

Truth  to  tell,  Tennis  was  less  afraid  of  a  bear  than  he  was 
of  things  that  had  neither  shape  nor  sound.  The  tales  of  old 
Dora  had  more  influence  upon  him  than  the  substantial  objects 
he  had  chased  over  the  mountains ;  and  as  he  rode  at  full 
speed  in  the  darkness  of  the  forest,  where,  on  his  right  hand, 
he  heard  the  dull  sighing  of  the  trees ;  and  on  the  left,  the 
monotonous  murmur  and  brattling  noise  of  the  stream,  he  re- 
membered he  was  coming  near  to  the  "  spooks  den,"  which, 
from  his  infancy,  he  had  regarded  as  the  abode  of  the  un- 
known sprites  of  the  hills.  It  Avas  not  without  a  feeling  oi 
tremor  that  he  slackened  his  horse's  pace,  that  he  might  su: 
vey  the  scene,  before  he  fairly  entered  into  the  mouth  of  the 
demon,  if  there  was  such  a  being.  He  was  a  young  man, 
above  the  average  in  intelligence ;  but  that  did  not  save  him 
from  the  usual  fears  of  mortals,  when  engaged  in  earnest  wo;k, 
as  he  was  at  that  moment.  All  that  he  had  heard  of  the 
place  from  Dora,  and  the  other  old  blacks;  together  with  the 
tales  which  adventurous  hunters  had  lately  told,  some  in  fan* 


72  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

and  others  in  sport,  came  up  to  view  at  this  instant.  By  this 
time  he  found  himself  walking  his  horse  slowly  toward  the 
dreaded  place,  which  lay  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  just  where  the 
road  he  must  take  turned  off  to  the  left.  He  knew  that  there 
was  a  hut  there,  and  a  well,  which  was  supplied  from  some 
spring  on  the  side  of  the  hill.  He  was  about  to  descend  from 
Sorrel,  that  he  might  allow  her  to  quench  her  thirst,  and  then 
slake  his  own  lips,  which  he  suddenly  discovered  were  drying  ; 
when  to  his  great  surprise  and  fear,  he  perceived  smoke  issuing 
from  an  aperture  in  the  roof  of  the  rude  cabin ;  and,  as  he 
listened,  he  heard  plainly  the  sound  of  a  human  voice.  His 
first  impulse  was  to  remount  Sorrel  and  ride  back  over  the  road 
he  came.  But  his  horse  was  too  thirsty  to  allow  herself  to  be 
deprived  of  the  beverage  so  near  at  hand,  and  before  the  rider 
had  time  to  recover  his  bridle,  the  animal  was  at  the  brink  of  the 
rude  log  trough,  out  of  which  was  running  the  purest  crystal 
water.  Tennis  knew  the  place,  for  it  was  past  it  he  had  gone 
when  Dora  first  put  the  charm  round  his  neck,  to  protect  him 
from  the  spooks  ;  and  whether  through  instinct,  or  because  he 
had  faith  in  the  old  African's  incantation,  he  suddenly  thrust 
his  hand  into  the  place  where  the  black  pebble  lay,  and  held 
it  as  a  weapon  of  defence.  He  had  just  time  to  dip  his 
own  lips  into  the  water  and  take  one  long  draught,  when 
he  lifted  his  head  and  saw,  to  his  horror,  an  object  which,  had 
he  seen  before  he  drank  of  the  spring,  would  have  made  him 
fall  to  the  ground.  •  But  his  nervousness  departed  with  his 
thirst ;  and  what  was  of  itself  sufficient  to  encourage  him,  he 
saw  that  Sorrel  was  not  in  the  least  afraid.  Quick  as  thought, 
he  remembered  what  the  Dominie  had  said,  "  that  the  dumb 
creatures  are  terrified  for  geesten,  not  for  men,  in  whatever 
garments  they  come.  But  when  you  ride  in  the  dark,  or  on 
a  doubtful  business,  see  that  you  be  not  wiser  than  the  beast 
you  stride.  God  may  put  light  before  his  eyes.  Mind  how 
Balaam  was  rebuked  for  his  iniquity,  "  want  het  jukdra  gende 
stoinme  dier  sprekende  met  menschenstem  heeft  des  pro- 
feten  dwaashied  verhinderd," — or,  as  the  English  Bibles 
have  it,  "  the  dumb  ass,  speaking  with  man's  voice,  forbade 
the  madness  of  the  prophet." 

"  This  is  no  angel  then,"  said  Tennis,  "  sent  to  hinder  me, 
for  Sorrel  is  not  afraid.  I  have  heard  that  there  was  such  a 
creature  here  before,  and  now  I  know  that  he  must  be  but 
mortal." 

The  young  farmer,  though  he  had  lived  in  simple  seclusion, 
was  not  unacquainted  with  those  trials  which  show  the  truo 


REVENGE   IS    SWEET.  73 

character ;  and  once  put  into  a  close  corner,  he  soon  regained 
his  natural  courage  of  heart ;  and  though  it  may  tend  to  lower 
him  in  the  estimation  of  some,  we  must  tell  the  truth,  old 
Dora's  charm  in  his  hand  was  not  without  its  influence. 

By  the  time  these  reflections  had  flown  through  the  brain 
of  the  youth,  the  figure  we  have  alluded  to  came  out  into 
the  road  where  Teunis  was  to  pass,  if  he  went  up  the  hill  at 
all.  There  was  no  other  path.  A  deep  ravine  was  at  the 
left,  where  a  waterfall  dashed  on  the  rocks;  and  on  the 
right  there  stood  frowning  a  steep  hill,  overshadowed  with 
woods  and  bushes.  Teunis  mounted  his  horse,  and  was 
gathering  up  the  reins,  that  he  might  pass  at  a  sudden,  when 
chance  might  offer  itself;  but  he  soon  perceived  that  he  had 
to  do  with  one  who  was  more  than  a  match  with  him  at 
manceuveiing.  The  strife  was  now  which  would  longest 
remain  silent.  The  two  stood  facing  each  other.  He  on  the 
road  was  a  tall,  bony  man  of  great  strength,  which  appeared 
from  the  steady  stand  he  took,  without  wincing  or  moving  a 
muscle.  He  had  on  a  cloak  of  bear-skins,  and  a  cap  made  of 
the  skin  of  the  common  wildcat.  Under  the  cloak,  which 
was  worn  close  to  the  body,  gathered  in  by  a  belt  which  had 
once  belonged  to  a  soldier  of  his  majesty,  was  hung  a  straight 
sword,  of  about  a  cubit's  length.  Other  weapons  he  had,  as 
the  turning  aside  of  his  outer  garment  showed,  though  he  did 
not  bring  them  forth  for  use ;  as  he  could  readily  have  done 
had  occasion  called. 

Teunis,  at  length  gathering  courage  from  his  sense  of  duty, 
said  in  a  respectful  manner  :  "Would  h  please  you  to  let  me 
pass ;  I  am  on  important  business,  and  have  been  detained 
too  long  already." 

"  Have  you  been  detained  by  me,  Teunis  Roe,  from  doing 
the  business  of  the  cold-blooded  Brandt  ?  One  might  think 
that  the  smell  of  scalps  was  sweet  to  your  nostrils,  since  yoi 
want  to  be  on  the  hill  to  tell  him  that  it  is  now  time  foi 
him  to  descend  like  a  hawk  among  Dora's  chickens,  when  he 
pounces  on  the  best." 

Tennis  started  at  the  allusions  ah1  through  this  sarcastio 
speech,  for  it  was  delivered  in  that  strain  which  has  so  grating 
an  effect  upon  the  sensitive  nature  of  an  honest  man,  who 
spurns  at  even  an  insinuation. 

u  I  arn  none  of  Brandt's  tools,"  said  the  man  addressed, 
with  some  spirit,  "  nor  do  I  mean  to  serve  his  master ;  I  have 
other  work  upon  my  hands." 

"  Pray,  who  is  Brandt's  master  ?"  said  the  singular  bein<£. 

4 


74  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

who  evidently  spoke  more  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  out 
his  new  acquaintance  than  because  he  wanted  information. 
"  "We  have  been  taught  that  the  Great  Mohawk  is  a  king 
himself,  and  bows  down  to  no  man." 

"The  one  that  Brandt  serves  is  his  master,  be  it  Satan  or 
St.  George,"  was  the  tart  reply  of  Teunis,  for  he  was  becom- 
ing bold  and  impatient.  "  Let  me  pass."  This  time  he  did 
not  add  "  if  it  be  your  pleasure." 

The  other  not  noticing  the  demand,  proceeded  to  speak  in 
reply  to  the  sound  sentiment  expressed  of  service ;  "  You 
are,  then,  neither  a  servant  ot  Brandt,  nor  of  ISt.  George,  nor 
of  his  grim  majesty  of  the  black  regions.  Whom  may  you 
serve,  then,  young  man  ?" 

"  Who  is  it  that  demands  the  information  ?"  was  the  quick 
response  of  Teunis.  "  I  have  not  come  up  here  to  be  put 
through  my  catechism." 

"  Well  spoken,  friend,  and  I  like  you  all  the  better  for  your 
chariness  and  spirit."  Here  the  speaker  with  the  hairy 
robe  stood  looking  Teunis  in  the  eye,  for  at  least  ten  seconds, 
till  he  succeeded  in  riveting  him  to  his  place,  when  he  broke 
the  silence  by  saying,  "  The  black  stone  in  your  hand,  and  the 
serpent  skin  that  binds  it  round  your  neck,  seem  fitter  for 
a-  man  who  is  bound  to  the  devil  than  to  God." 

Teunis  looked  into  his  hand,  and  saw  that  it  was  the  charm 
of  Dora  he  was  grasping  with  such  firmness  ;  ashamed  at 
his  being  found  out,  and  actually  fearing  that  it  was  from  the 
devil,  he  took  it  from  his  neck,  and  flung  it  with  all  his  force 
into  the  gulf,  where  it  hung  suspended  from  the  branch  of 
a  sapling,  far  down. 

"  So  you  deem  yourself  free,  young  man,  now ;  but  know 
this,  that  no  one  is  his  own  master ;  and  some  are  more 
arrant  slaves  than  Dora's  children." 

"  So  you  seem  to  think  that  I  am  in  bondage  with  the  rest 
It  shall  not  be  my  fault  if  freedom  be  a  stranger  to  any  who 
tread  these  mountains." 

"  .No  doubt  you  are  very  much  in  earnest  when  your  par- 
ticular interest  is  at  stake.  A  man's  own  feeling  renders  his 
judgment  very  decided.  Would  you  have  been  so  far  from 
ho- ne  had  the  liberty  of  the  country  only  been  in  danger? 
\V  e  do  not  always  perceive  our  own  bent." 

At  that  instant  Teunis  felt  not  unlike  Sorrel,  with  the  bit 
in  hftr  mouth,  restless,  and  ready  to  spring  at  the  first  open- 
ing. He  had  been  surveying  the  height  of  the  hill,  while  the 
stranger  was  feeling  the  pockets  of  his  inner  garments ;  and 


BEVENGE    IS   SWEET.  75 

to  do  so  found  it  necessary  to  unbuckle  the  girdle  of  his 
cloak.  Now  was  the  time,  and  quick  as  thought  the  spur 
gave  Sorrel  the  hint,  who  took  it  willingly,  and  at  one  bound 
was  on  the  other  side  of  the  opposer,  who  was  shoved  to 
the  right  with  some  violence,  which  both  disturbed  his  inten- 
tion and  his  temper  for  an  instant.  Wheeling  around,  Tennis 
said,  "  I  beg  your  pardon,  but  I  must  not  be  hindered  by 
any  one."  The  discomfited  man  gave  a  scowl  that  brought 
the  blood  quickly  to  the  heart  of  the  rider. 

"Young  man,  it  is  well  for  you  that  I  have  a  deeper 
interest  in  you  than  you  are  aware  of,  else  your  stolen 
passage  would  not  serve  you.  If  I  meant  you  harm,  it 
matters  but  little  whether  I  look  at  you  from  the  south 
side  or  the  north.  There  are  reasons  of  more  moment 
than  merely  holding  this  palaver  with  you,  why  I  should 
know  you."  By  the  time  he  was  done  with  these  words,  he 
affected  to  look  in  the  face  of  Teunis,  who  was  standing  up 
in  his  stirrups,  with  his  eyes  staring  on  the  man  who  was 
addressing  him:  who  said  with  a  cool,  sarcastic  voice:  "  You 
seem  to  be  in  no  hurry  now,  that  you  have  made  such  an 
effort  to  pass  me ;  are  you  shot,  that  you  are  speechless  ? 
What  do  you  see?" 

"  I  see,"  said  Teunis,  "  what  makes  me  believe  that  you 
are  either  better  or  worse  than  other  mortals  ;  and  now  I 
have  to  beg  of  you  to  let  me  go  on  my  proposed  journey." 

The  strange  man  had  put  on  his  breast  a  small  miniature 
picture,  and  around  it  was  a  blue  silken  chain,  which  Teunis 
recognized  as  one  that  he  had  himself  bought  in  Albany,  and 
put  over  the  neck  of  Elsie  at  their  parting,  a  year  ago.  He 
could  see,  too,  that  the  likeness  was  that  of  Elsie.  The  sight 
blinded  him  and  struck  him  dumb,  and  the  only  thing  he 
could  say  was  to  beg  permission  to  leave. 

"  I  see,"  said  the  strange  mortal,  "that  we  in  part  under- 
derstand  each  other.  Go !  I  have  been  watching  your  move- 
ments. I  saw  you  hail  the  beams  of  the  rising  sun.  Re- 
member that  he  is  a  great  discoverer  of  secrets.  He  sends 
his  rays  into  bright  eyes  through  tears  ;  and  more  than  three 
can  stand  on  a  high  cliff.  Nothing  hides  but  the  valley, 
or  the  grave  under  its  clods.  But  blood  will  ooze  out  of 
even  the  deepest  pit ;  and  the  eyes  of  conscience,  and  of  re- 
venge, can  see  the  stains,  without  sunlight." 

These  words,  at  the  close,  were  said  with  a  bitterness 
which  froze  the  spirit  of  the  listener ;  and  as  if  to  relieve 
himself,  he  turned  to  the  speaker  and  said  :  "  Can  I  serve 


76  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

you  in  anyway?  Do  you  want  anything?  I  cannot  help 
but  pity  you." 

'  Want !  Have  not  I  water  there  ?  sun  enough  when  I 
lock  up  ?  and  shall  not  I  have  earth  enough  when  I  lie  down 
to  sleep  my  last  sleep  ?  Yes,  but  the  earth  would  not  be  still 

should  I  die  before  " The  rest  of  this  sentence  was  in  pan- 

tomime  which  no  one  could  see  and  not  comprehend  that  a 
deadly  purpose  was  in  his  soul. 

Here,  turning  to  Teunis,  he  said:  "Swear;"  and  he  held 
out  a  large  pistol,  with  the  muzzle  to  himself — "  swear,"  he 
said  firmly. 

"  And  what  am  I  to  give  oath  concerning  ?  for  that  is  not  a 
matter  of  common  import." 

"  Well,  swear,"  said  the  wild  man,  for  he  was  more  in  the 
character  now  of  a  savage  roused  to  the  highest  excitement, 
than  a  being  of  this  reasonable  world :  "  swear  that  you  will 
not  tell  a  word  of  what  you  have  heard,  nor  describe  a  token 
of  what  you  have  seen,  till  the  sun  has  risen  and  set  six 
times." 

As  Teunis  looked  at  the  portrait  that  hung  at  the  breast  of 
the  one  that  was  invoking  him  by  an  oath,  he  hesitated  ;  for 
there  were  questions  of  deep  interest  to  him,  which  he  would 
wish  to  have  solved  ;  and  if  he  gave  his  oath,  all  inquiry  was 
shut  up.  He  looked  on  the  features  again,  that  he  might  be 
sure,  and  then  to  the  face  of  him  who  wore  the  gem,  who 
understood  his  wish,  and  said : 

"  I  know  what  you  would  ask ;  you  cannot  know.  She  has 
sworn  /  swear !  I  say,"  and  he  gave  a  shriek  that  was  rever- 
berated through  the  valley,  as  if  a  thousand  demons  were 
responding  to  their  leader.  Teunis  said  no  more,  but  follow- 
ing the  words  dictated  to  him,  he  swore  to  be  silent  till  the 
appointed  time  came. 

"  Now,  go  your  way ;  you  will  have  a  friend  while  you  are 
faithful  to  the  trust  you  have  undertaken.  Hear  this,  and  be- 
quick.  Brandt  will  descend  before  two  suns  set ;  but  your 
first  business  is  above,  for  the  Indian  hounds  are  scenting  out 
the  footsteps  of  the  feeble.  Go ;  but  here,  wait !"  and  he 
seemed  to  take  the  same  black  stone  that  Teunis  threw  away 
in  his  fury,  from  his  pocket — how  he  took  it  from  the  tree 
where  it  hung,  Teunis  never  could  guess — and  put  it  over  the 
head  of  the  rider  as  it  was  before.  Then  taking  it  in  his 
own  hand,  he  touched  a  part  of  it,  when  out  sprung  the  nib 
of  a  whistle,  which  he  put  to  his  mouth,  arid  made  the 
air  resound.  Bidding  Teunis  do  the  same,  he  said  curtly  • 


REVENGE   IS   SWEET.  77 

"When  danger  is  too  strong  for  you,  let  that  "be  heard." 
With  that  he  turned,  and  the  horseman  sprang  up  the  hill,  a? 
if  relieved  from  some  force  that  pressed  him  to  the  ground, 
so  that  lie  rode  up  the  hill  free.  He  felt  that  the  spell  which 
hound  him  was  removed,  and  now  his  circulation  was  hecome 
so  rapid,  that  wings  seemed  to  be  given  to  the  animal  he 
rode.  It  was  really  so,  that  he  found  himself  on  the  shoulder 
of  the  mountain  in  half  the  time  he  was  wont  to  take ;  but  it 
was  at  the  expense  of  his  horse's  energy,  for  by  the  time  his 
mind  had  come  to  its  balance,  the  creature  was  blowing  like 
a  grampus,  as  Judge  Abiel,  who  had  sailed  to  the  West 
Indies,  was  accustomed  to  say  of  his  oxen,  his  horses,  or  his 
negroes,  when  driven  above  their  strength. 

"  I  have  been  in  the  hand  of  the  Philistines,"  said  Tennis  to 
himself.  "  Did  ever  any  one  see  such  a  creature  in  the  shape 
of  man !  It  is  like  the  picture  of  the  sailor  left  on  the  de- 
serted island,  with  his  nigger  Friday.  Such  a  beard  ;  not 
much  grey  in  it.  He  is  not  as  old  as  he  pretends.  His  eyea 
are  quite  round,  and  his  teeth  all  firm,  and  then  he  could 
move  when  he  chose.  I  declare!  he  had  all  but  the  hold  of 
my  bridle,  when  I  leaped  past  him.  He  would  have  thrown 
us  over  the  precipice,  Sorrel  but  for  your  quickness  ;"  and  he 
vainly  stroked  the  neck  of  his  friend  in  need. 

With  more  caution,  and  at  a  slower  pace,  the  young  man 
moved  on,  full  of  thought  concerning  the  person  he  had  left. 
His  seclusion,  his  knowledge  of  his  own  business,  his  acquain- 
tanpe  with  Dora,  and  with  the  black  stone  he  was  wearing ; 
and  above  all,  the  mystery  of  the  picture,  were  puzzles 
which  must  remain  unsolved  for  at  least  a  week.  His  oath 
must  seal  his  lips,  and  Elsie's  silence  could  be  accounted  for, 
since  he  had  never  heard  a  lisp  of  the  spook  in  the  glen  from 
her.  Why  be  on  such  terms  of  intimacy  with  him  ?  She 
was  unlike  all  the  girls  in  the  country  around.  He  had 
heard  Dora  say  that  fetish  had  wakened  up  the  sleeping 
man  of  the  mountain.  Some  trick  in  all  this,  connected  with 
the  descent  on  Brandt.  His  underdress  would  point  him  out 
as  being  on  the  side  of  the  King  ;  but  then  would  Elsie  allow 
any  of  ^that  side  to  possess  an  article  of  hers  ?  Was  this  after 
all  the  old  Rip  Van  Winkle  that  his  grandmother  used  to  tell 
about?  or  the  old  Hendrick  Hudson  that  the  Indian  Sachem 
keep  a  tradition  of?  Thinking  on  in  this  desultory  way,  the 
young  Dutchman  fell  almost  into  a  sound  sleep  from  the  want 
of  his  usual  rest  on  the  previous  night. 


78  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER  VHI 

WABS     AND     RUMORS     OF     WARS 

"  There  was  whilom  by  days  of  old, 

A  worthy  knight  as  mene  told  ; 

Wifeless  he  was,  Florent  he  hight : 

He  was  a  man  that  mochel  might, 

Of  arms  he  was  desirous, 

Chiyalrous  and  amorous, 

And  for  the  love  of  virgin  thought 

He  rode  the  marches  all  about." — CHAUCER. 

TEUNIS  in  eager  haste  was  soon  on  the  crown  of  thu  mil ; 
the  sun  being  now  about  four  hours  high,  and  for  th-  firs,t 
time  since  he  had  loved  Elsie,  did  he  entertain  the  least  hope 
of  success ;  but  knowing  well  that  he  had  no  common  heart 
to  reach,  he  was  rousing  himself  to  do  his  best  for  h^r  and 
for  himself.  He  determined  to  deserve  success. 

At  full  speed,  and  wending  his  way  through  among  the 
trees,  over  a  very  rough  road,  in  a  manner  which  a  woodman 
only  can  do,  he  reached  the  verge  of  two  small  lakes,  more  in 
size  like  the  artificial  ponds  in  an  earl's  pleasure-ground  than 
the  head  spring  of  a  mill  stream.  Clear  as  crystal,  and  cool 
as  in  winter  was  the  water,  surrounded  by  trees  that  were 
reflected  from  its  glassy  surface.  Now  that  the  sun  was  high, 
his  rays  showed  the  soft  alluvial  bottom,  on  which  lay  the 
trunks  of  a  former  time,  preserved  from  decay  ;  nor  did  the 
smallest  wave  ripple  these  tiny  seas  at  the  time  our  traveller 
was  gazing  down  where  undisturbed  fishes  were  sporting  in 
large  schools.  These  two  little  lakes,  that  seemed  like  the 
eyes  of  the  mountain,  if  we  allow  ourselves  to  believe,  as  Kis- 
kataam  told  the  Fawn,  that  the  Mountain  was  once  a  mons- 
ter, who  devoured  all  the  children  of  the  red  race,  and  that 
the  Great  Spirit  touched  him,  when  he  was  going  down  to 
the  salt  lake  to  bathe,  and  here  he  remains.  His  eyes  are 
open  all  the  summer,  but  in  winter  they  are  covered  with  a 
thick  crust,  and  a  heavy  film.  But  whether  he  sleeps  or 
wake<$  he  sheds  tears  always,  and  they  trickle  down  his  cheeks 
as  may  be  seen.  The  cunning  chief  laughed  under  his  red 
skin  at  his  own  wit  of  invention  and  at  the  simplicity  of  the 
English  maiden  for  receiving  such  a  tale. 

Turning  to  the  right  from  these  lakes,  Teams  sought  out 
the  bear's  den ;  but  what  was  his  horror,  when  he  did  not 


WARS   AND   HUMORS   OF   WARS.  79 

find  the  objects  of  his  search.  At  the  moment  he  supposed 
that  they  might  be  still  lingering  in  the  neighborhood,  so  he 
set  himself  to  find  out  their  new  hiding-place.  He  crawled 
through  the  brush,  carefully  marking  every  point,  to  see  if  a 
footprint  had  been  left  behind.  He  imagined  he  saw  evi- 
dences of  their  presence,  and  he  did  at  last  in  one  spot,  where 
the  ground  was  soft,  see  distinctly  where  they  must  have 
been.  Here  he  was  careful  that  all  should  be  obliterated,  as 
he  was  not  sure  that  he  would  discover  the  signs  of  their 
whereabouts.  He  knew  that  other  eyes  as  well  as  his  own 
were  prying  into  the  ground,  for  he  could  plainly  see  here 
and  there  a  larger  footprint,  that  was  pointing  after  the 
other.  He  wandered  for  at  least  an  hour,  but  to  no  purpose, 
and  would  have  remained  longer  had  not  his  horse,  which 
was  tied  outside  of  the  bush,  grown  impatient,  and  was 
neighing  for  his  master.  Teunis  having  a  tint  of  superstition 
in  his  nature,  regarded  the  call  of  the  animal  as  the  voice  of 
instinct,  if  not  more  directly  the  intimation  of  Providence 
to  return. 

Great  was  the  surprise,  if  not  fear,  of  the  anxious  youth 
when  he  emerged  from  the  thicket,  to  see  a  man  coming 
toward  him  from  the  side  of  the  lake,  tall  and  of  a  command- 
ing presence.  He  was  of  about  thirty-five  years  of  age, 
dressed  in  a  half  military  garb,  boots  and  buckskins,  with 
coat  of  blue  cloth,  made  in  the  English  fashion,  having  large 
skirts  which  came  to  the  knee,  and  was  made  so  that  it  might 
be  buttoned  to  the  chin.  At  present,  however,  it  was  open, 
and  showed  a  vest  that  was  trimmed  with  gold  lace,  over 
which  hung  a  cravat  of  the  purest  muslin,  that  evidently 
had  been  but  recently  put  on,  and  that  with  care.  His 
beaver  was  soft  felt,  but  shaped  into  a  smart  negligence 
which  betokened  the  man  of  fashion,  seeking  to  look  at  his 
ease  as  he  wished  to  feel.  Teunis  looked  at  the  new  corner 
as  if  he  desired  him  to  be  the  first  speaker.  By  his  voice  lie 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  judge,  and  he  waited  to  hear ;  and 
so  he  was  standing  at  the  side  of  the  saddle  when  the  other 
approached. 

"  Is  not  your  horse  the  first  creature  of  the  kind  that  ever 
drank  of  these  waters  ?"  said  the  stranger,  as  if  he  wantod  to 
draw  out  the  young  Dutchman  by  an  indifferent  topic.  "  He 
seems  to  be  impatient  to  go.  How  far  may  you  be  desirous* 
of  travelling  this  warm  day  ?" 

There  were  more  questions  here  than  one,  which  allowed 
Teunis  a  choice,  of  which  he  felt  glad,  for  he  had  no  wish  to 


80  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

reveal  his  business  to  a  stranger,  so  he  answered :  "  I  hava 
seen  greater  creatures  than  horses  here  before,  and  where 
one  animal  of  four  feet  has  been,  others  of  the  same  number 
may  come  without  hurt." 

"You  would  not  say,  because  a  cat  could  climb  these 
rocks,  that  a  heavy-footed  horse  could  follow  up  to  the  same 
place  ?" 

"  I  have  seen  some  creatures  as  heavy  as  Sorrel  who  could 
outrun  cats,  and  climb  the  rocks  as  easily." 

"  You  jest,  young  man  ;  such  animals  as  you  describe  could 
not  run  up  trees  as  cats  can  climb.  You  would  have  me 
believe  that  a  Dutchman  can  beat  an  Indian  at  a  race  as 
easily  as  an  Englishman  can  fight  a  Yankee  rebel."  This  last 
was  said  more  by  way  of  feeling  the  pulse  of  the  native 
American,  and  thereby  finding  out.  the  sympathies  he  had 
with  the  king  or  country,  than  because  he  wished  to  provoke 
ill-nature.  But  Teunis  had  been  schooled  too  long  in  self- 
restraint  to  give  way  to  his  temper.  He  merely  replied : 

"  Bears  can  climb  as  high  as  cats,  and  deer  can  run  fastei 
than  either.  It  is  not  weight,  but  muscle  and  sinew  whicl 
make  the  difference." 

"And  blood,  young  man,"  said  the  stranger,  evidentl) 
well  pleased  to  escape  out  of  the  place  he  bad  put  himself  in, 
without  reflecting  on  where  his  ignorance  of  the  mountains 
would  carry  him.  "  You  are  a  native  of  these  regions, 
sir  ?" 

This  was  said  in  the  gentlemanly,  yet  commanding  tone 
of  one  accustomed  to  receive  a  direct  answer  "  Have  you 
heard  news  from  the  river  side  this  morning  ?" 

"  I  am  a  native  of  these  hills,"  said  Teunis,  "  and  have 
been  sent  to  gather  news,  not  to  spread  it.  One  of  the  first 
duties  a  messenger  performs  is  silence." 

"  That  is  a  non-performance,  as  I  judge.  All  the  more 
faithful  you  must  be  to  your  master,  and  on  that  very  account 
I  should  wish  to  engage  you  on  a  business  of  my  own,  if  you 
would  take  a  reward  of  value." 

"You  mean,  I  suppose,"  said  Teunis,  evading  the  object 
of  his  interrogator,  "  that  you  would  employ  me  to  stir  up 
the  game  we  have  been  speaking  of;  but  let  me  assure  you 
that  a  good  dog,  or  an  Indian  scout,  would  perform  that  duty 
better  than  I  could  possibly  do  it.  But  I  must  be  gone ;"  and 
with  that  he  leaped  into  the  saddle  and  was  ready  to  hasten 
away,  where  he  had  determined  upon  in  his  own  mind  during 
the  few  moments  he  stood  parleying  with  the  stranger 


WARS   AND   RUMORS   OF  WARS.  $1 

*'  No,"  said  that  gentleman,  putting  hand  to  the  reins  of 
Sorrel,  and  gently  holding  them.  "  The  game  I  am  after  is 
too  tender  to  be  caught  in  hunter  fashion,  but  requires  the 
most  careful  handling  when  caught." 

There  was  a  lurking  leer  in  the  eye  of  Tennis's  new 
acquaintance  which  at  once  wakened  suspicion  in  the  mind 
of  the  innocent  listener,  and  all  at  once  the  light  broke  upon 
his  understanding  concerning  who  this  was.  He  almost  be- 
trayed himself,  when  he  found  that  he  was  in  the  presence 
of  the  much  dreaded  Clifford,  but  he  soon  became  at  rest 
when  he  found  that  even  he  was  as  ignorant  of  the  hiding- 
place  of  the  young  women  as  he  was  himself.  He  inwardly 
resolved  to  divert  attention  away  from  all  that  side  of  the 
mountain,  where  the  chief  danger  lay  of  their  being  found  out. 

"  What  say  you  to  my  proposal,  young  man,"  continued 
Clifford,  "  of  being  my  aid  for  a  day  ?" 

"  You  mean  to  hunt  deer  ?"  said  Teunis,  affecting  to  take 
him  literally  ;  "  or  rather  the  fawn,  if  I  may  judge  from  the 
tender  way  in  which  you  speak  of  them.  No.  I  mu^t  go ; 
the  king's  business  requires  haste.  There  are  Indians  on 
the  hills  now,  who  would  serve  you  better,  as  I  said  before. 
There  is  one  coming  this  way  now ;  and  who  cap  outrun 
any  fawn  that  was  ever  stolen  from  her  dam."  By  this  time, 
Kiskataam  was  there  close  by ;  and  Teunis,  raising  his  voice, 
called  out,  "•  Can  the  Sachem  find  a  fawn  for  the  king's  pale 
face,  here?" 

This  hit  at  random,  struck  both  of  these  wily  betrayers  ; 
but  was  said  in  such  a  manner  as  neither  the  one  nor  the 
other  could  resent  it  without  discovering  his  ovn  secret. 
Nor  durst  they  combine  and  demand  an  explanation  of  the 
doubtful  expression.  It  might  be  chance,  or  it  might  be  di- 
rected to  both.  They  wisely  remained  silent,  and  Teunis  was 
rewarded  for  the  risk,  by  seeing  that  as  yet  the  girls  were 
safe. 

Here  Sorrel  was  restive  under  the  hand  of  Clifford,  and 
would  have  sprung  away  at  a  bound,  had  not  the  Indian  laid 
his  hand  also  upon  the  reins  on  the  other  side  with  a  menac- 
ing look;  pausing  before  he  spoke,  and  with  a  meaning 
which  said,  "  refuse,  and  you  are  a  dead  man."  But  by  this 
time,  the  rider  had  become  excited,  with  his  horse,  and  de- 
manded why  he  "  was  hindered  upon  his  journey,  and  that 
too,  by  professed  servants  of  the  king." 

"•  It  is  because  we  are  the  king's  servants,  that  we  stop 
you  in  these  troublesome  times,"  said  the  white  man. 

4* 


82  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"Indian  chief  rules  up  here  on  his  own  hills,"  said  Kiska- 
taarn,  "  Young  Tory  Whig  must  go  to  the  pine  grove  and 
wait  for  Brandt ;  and  not  hunt  up  here  now  against  law." 

"  Kiskataam,"  said  Teunis,  sharply,  and  with  some  haste, 
"  does  not  mind  the  great  Father's  word  always :  but  Indian 
does  not  know  law  so  well  as  pale  face.  Doe,  buck  or  fawn, 
or  any  sort  of  deer,  can  be  hunted  from  August  till  January. 
But,  in  the  king's  name,  I  demand  a  passage,"  he  said  to  the 
two  men;  who  were  still  uncertain  as  to  the  figurative  or  the 
literal  meaning  of  his  reference  to  the  deer,  doe,  buck  or 
fawn  ;  terms  which  they  knew  were  in  the  law. 

"  Since  you  claim  to  be  on  the  king's  business,  youug  man," 
said  Clifford,  somewhat  sternly,  "  you  can,  at  least,  show  us 
some  missive  from  his  majesty." 

"  What  if  I  cannot  ?"  said  Teunis,  with  promptitude. 
"  Shall  any  one  dare  to  hinder  me  ?  You  are  a  stranger  here, 
and  this  sachem  is  not  in  commission." 

"  Since  you  are  so  bold  and  brave,  young  man ;  let  me  tell 
you,  that  both  Kiskataam  and  myself  believe,  that  under  that 
clownish  face,  more  knowledge  concerning  a  business  of  ours 
is  lurking  than  we  are  willing  to  let  go  along  with  yourself; 
and,  to  come  to  the  point  at  once,  we  demand  your  meaning 
of  the  word  Fawn  !" 

Even  the  Indian  was  surprised  at  the  question,  and  fixed 
his  great  mysterious  eyes  on  the  rider's  face,  which  remained 
as  stolid  as  it  was  possible  to  be.  To  release  himself  and 
gain  time,  he  merely  grazed  the  side  of  Sorrel  with  his  rowel, 
who  reared  and  sprung;  so  that  he  freed  himself  from  the 
Indian's  grasp,  but  not  from  the  more  experienced  Clifford, 
who  suspected  the  manoeuvre,  and  reiterated  the  question  in 
fury,  "  What  did  you  mean  by  using  the  word  Fawn  ?" 

"  Sir,"  said  Teunis,  "  I  see  by  the  dress  you  wear,  that  I 
am  in  the  presence  of  one  of  the  king's  officers.  I  am  now, 
myself,  on  the  king's  business,  and  my  own,  and  I  refuse  to 
tell  you  aught  but  what  I  am  forced  to  tell." 

"  You  shall  not  get  clear  by  that  pretext,  young  man.  I 
see  plainly,  that  by  some  means  you  are  acquainted  with  my 
secret,  and  you  must  either  tell  all  you  know  of  it  or  die." 
And  with  that,  he  drew  out  a  sword  that  was  hidden  under 
his  outside  coat.  "  It  would  be  dangerous  to  allow  a  living 
man  to  go  away  from  us  at  this  moment,  with  that  in  his 
breast  which  must  ruin  our  plan.  What  does  Indian  say  ?" 
Kiskataam  nodded  assent,  and  swung  his  tomahawk  around 
his  head,  ready  to  strike.  At  this  moment,  the  round  black 


WARS    AKD   RUMORS   OF   WARS.  83 

stone  of  Dora  came  to  Teunis'  mind ;  and,  without  thinking  of 
aught  else  than  his  self-preservation,  he  took  it  into  his  hand, 
then  pressing  upon  the  hidden  spring,  the  words  of  the  fur-clad 
stranger  came  to  his  mind, — "Call  when  you  are  in  danger." 
He  blew  with  a  force  which  startled  the  two  men  at  his 
saddle,  for  they  evidently  expected  some  new  development, 
and  lifted  their  arms  as  if  in  defence,  when  the  report  of  n 
musket  came,  and  then  another,  which  struck  the  weapons 
from  the  hands  of  the  interlopers ;  so  that  before  they  had 
time  to  recover  themselves,  or  their  weapons,  Sorrel  was  rush- 
ing on  between  the  two  lakes,  at  a  speed  which  defied  all 
pursuit. 

Flying  was  more  like  the  movement  of  the  rider  and  his 
horse,  than  running.  There  was  a  path  wide  enough  ;  and 
which  had  been  well  travelled,  as  the  ground  showed,  over 
which  Teunis  rode,  bending  his  head  beneath  the  low  branches, 
and  wheeling  to  the  right  or  left,  as  he  required.  The  way 
was  becoming  clearer ;  till  suddenly  he  turned  into  a  narrow 
and  rugged  defile,  that  brought  him  down  into  the  wide  glen, 
or  clove  through  which  the  Kaaterskill  was  heard  falling 
from  step  to  step,  on  its  descent.  On  coming  to  the  top  ot" 
one  of  those  more  prominent  than  the  others,  he  was  alarmed 
by  seeing  Shandangan,  the  grim  shadow  of  Kiskataam,  of 
whom  we  have  spoken  before,  suddenly  fall  to  the  ground,  as  if 
he  had  been  struck  by  a  club.  Teunis  knew  that  it  could  be 
for  no  good  that  he  was  there,  and  while  it  would  scarcely 
serve  his  purpose  to  notice  him,  still  he  must  not  be  left  in 
his  rear  at  this  time,  for  he  might  do  him  injury ;  so,  boldly 
riding  up  to  the  spot  where  he  saw  him  sink,  he  stopped ; 
and  first  spying  out  the  place  where  the  red  man  lurked,  like 
a  serpent  in  his  way,  to  bite  his  horse's  heels,  he  called  out 
as  it'  he  were  speaking  to  the  chief  himself,  and  not  to  his  aid  : 

"  Kiskataam  has  come  far  since  the  new  moon  rose.  The 
chief  has  got  many  king's  heads  in  his  belt." 

The  effect  of  this  side  speech  was  evident  upon  the  sly 
Indian,  who  was  at  a  loss  to  persuade  himself  of  what  it 
might  mean,  and  with  great  caution  he  opened  his  eyes,  when 
Teunis,  seeing  that  his  trick  took,  gave  one  of  those  hearty 
laughs  which  are  sure  to  disconcert  an  Indian  when  he  is 
found  out,  by  a  cunning  like  his  own.  Shandaagan  rose  and 
looked  cautiously  around,  when  seeing  no  one  but  the  r;der 
and  his  horse,  he  gave  a  significant  ugh  !  which  might  mean 
either  pleasure  or  displeasure. 

"  Shandaagan   sleeps  early,"  said  Teunis.     "  Hunting  deer 


84  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

when  the  laurei  is  red  requires  clear  eyes  in  moonlight.*1 
This  was  said  to  throw  the  savage  off  his  guard,  and  put  him 
at  ease  with  himself,  for  it  was  too  evident  he  was  on  the 
same  errand  which  engaged  others,  and  now  Tennis  felt 
at  rest.  None  of  them  had  found  the  trail  of  Elsie  and  her 
charge,  though  all  were  on  the  search.  He  was  in  no  hurry 
to  ride  on,  nor  willing  to  say  more  than  would  serve  his  own 
ends.  So  he  waited  the  answer  he  might  receive. 

"  The  deer  hides  in  th^  bush  all  day,"  was  at  length  the 
reply  of  the  red  man,  "  uid  scents  the  hunter  in  the  wind. 
Pale  face  has  a  call  of  his  own  that  brings  them  to  his  pond." 

Here  he  cast  the  pupils  of  his  eyes  quietly  around,  marking 
the  effect  which  his  hint  might  have,  as  if  he  expected  that  it 
would  be  understood. 

Teunis  answered  in  the  same  enigmatical  style.  "  Indian 
has  more  traps  than  the  pale  face,  and  has  bright  eyes  for  a 
night  trail.  When  he  has  no  moon  he  kindles  his  fire,  and 
gets  scalps;"  and  with  these  words,  pointing  to  the  top  of 
one  of  the  little  hills,  he  was  silent,  but  watching  the  face  of 
his  companion  for  the  moment,  his  heart  beat  with  anger  and 
with  some  fear.  "  There  now  comes  the  great  dog  himself 
with  all  his  hounds  of  cruelty." 

"  Brandt "  was  the  name  that  the  Indian  muttered  between 
his  teeth. 

"  Yes,  Brandt,  the  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord,  come 
to  burn  and  murder.  His  dogs'  tusks  are  sharpened  at  hell- 
fire,  and  he  and  Kiskataam,  and  Clifford  " — here  he  paused 
before  he  spoke — "  and  Shandaagan  will  crunch  the  skulls  of 
all  tlie  fawns  they  can  catch,  but,  by  all  the  great  spirits  in 
the  universe,  let  them  keep  out  of  my  way." 

And  with  that  furious  speech  Teuuis  rushed  down  the  hill, 
as  if  he  were  a  fiery  flying  angel,  sent  to  defend  the  weak 
against  the  strong.  He  Avas  now  on  the  road  to  Hoogenhuisen, 
where  he  hoped  to  find  Elsie  ;  though  how  she  could  have 
got  there  was  out  of  his  calculation.  Still,  she  possessed  so 
much  self-reliance,  courage  and  strength  herself,  he  had  full 
confidence  in  her,  but  not  in  the  power  of  her  companion. 

"  She  is  a  feeble-looking  thing,  that  Margaret,  compared  witU 
Elsie,"  said  the  young  "admirer  of  tlie  Dutch  built  maiden  ; 
"  but  there  is  wonderful  spirit  in  some  of  those  trim  tight 
limbs.  Those  blood  horses  that  the  red-coat  officers  have 
would  do  but  little  at  the  plough,  driven  by  old  Caese  and  held 
in  hy  Dad,  with  his  dander  up,  among  pine  stumps ;  but  then 
put  old  Brown  and  Bet  in  one  of  these  curricles,  with  their 


WARS   AND   RUMORS   OF    WARS.  85 

heavy  hips,  I  am  guessing  they  would  be  left  behind.  But 
then  Elsie  is  not  so  heavy  as  she  looks  along  side  of  that 
English  miss.  Put  her  beside  Nelly  Van  Zant,  or  Peggy 
Troumpour,  and  see  them  waddling  through  the  barn-yard 
after  the  cows  :  their  weight  and  a  three  year  old  would  about 
balance  the  scales.  I  would  match  Elsie  in  triggness  and 
spirit  with  Sorrel  here  at  a  race,  and  for  a  step  equal  to  Miss 
Margaret,  with  all  her  fine  gracefulness  and  quick  movements. 
Well,  I  am  glad  she  is  so  nimble  and  strong ;  there  is  the 
more  chance  of  her  escaping  these  red  skins  and  that  haughty 
sinner  of  an  Englishman.  It  is  for  no  good  he  is.  there.  I 
wonder  what  he  means  by  kidnapping  his  own  flesh  and 
blood.  One  thing  I  am  sure  of,  that  I  am  in  for  some  great 
venture,  and  here  I  stake  my  life,  fortune  and  honor  on  the 
side  of  luimanity,  be  that  king  or  country. 

With  thoughts  full  of  earnestness,  he  pursued  his  journey 
till  he  arrived  at  the  door  of  Martin  Schuyler,  with  some 
trepidation  lest  he  should  meet  the  old  farmer  himself,  of 
whom  he  had  of  late  a  wholesome  dread.  He  was  studying 
in  his  mind  how  he  best  should  convince  the  stern  Whig  that 
he  was  a  true  man  and  no  spy,  when  he  met  Angelica  her- 
self, who  was  about  the  yard  superintending  the  household 
affairs,  as  he  thought,  when  in  reality  she  was  giving  orders 
in  the  place  of  Martin  himself.  That  worthy  and  careful 
farmer  had  not  returned,  for  a  reason  that  we  know  of;  but 
as  yet  his  good  vrow  was  in  the  dark,  nothing  having  been 
heard  from  either  him  or  from  the  daughter.  Through  the 
day  she  had  driven  off  the  young  and  the  old  blacks  to  see 
if  they  could  find  any  trace  of  them,  who  always  went  a 
little  way  from  home,  skulking  among  the  woods  and  the 
rocks,  thinking  of  spooks  and  of  Indians,  and  then  lying 
down  in  a  safe  place,  where  they  were  sure  to  go  to  sleep  long 
enough  to  allow  them  time  to  search  all  the  places  to  which 
they  were  sent,  and  return  with  no  tidings  but  bad  reports 
of  everything  horrid.  None  were  faithful  and  brave  except 
old  Noll,  who  had  been  abroad  before  he  came  to  MartiiL, 
and  knew  something,  priding  himself  on  his  "  trabels  among 
the  vild  men  of  Batikoo,  ven  he  was  kidnapped  by  de  Spanish." 
Noll  had  been  bought  by  Martin  when  in  New  York,  and  he 
gave  him  the  name  the  Yankee  had  given  him  on  his  passage, 
from  the  resemblance  he  saw  in  the  nose  of  the  negro  to  that 
feature  in  the  face  of  a  famous  Puritan  whom  the  people  of 
New  England  delight  to  honor.  Nor  was  the  name  un- 
worthily nor  unwittingly  bestowed.  Noll  was  a  courageous 


86  THE   DUTCH 

old  soul,  and  faithful  to  boot.  So  much  confidence  had  Mar- 
tin in  him,  that  he  once  hired  him  out  on  a  voyage  to  the  West 
Indies,  which  was  undertaken  by  Garret  Abiel,  who  went 
from  the  Bught  with  a  load  of  cattle,  and  staves,  and  other 
produce,  bringing  back  rum  and  molasses.  The  Elder  declared 
that  Noll  was  the  best  hand  he  had  on  board,  and  could 
mount  the  shrouds  faster  than  Jake  Van  Orden,  his  chief  mate. 

Of  old  Noll  many  tales  are  told,  but  on  the  occasion  of 
Martin's  absence,  he  was  all  astray,  and  had  just  returned 
before  Tennis's  arrival,  with  no  news  of  his  master,  and  sad 
news  of  the  vuur  teeken  burning  from  every  kekute  from 
Albany  to  Sopus. 

"  Did  tou  see  de  Meester  on  the  Berg*  any  vere  ?  Did  tou  go 
to  de  Sout  Mountain,  and  to  de  Nort  Mountain  ?  Did  tou  see 
any  blood  upon  de  vay  ?  Did  tou  see  Elsie  or  de  dog? — vat 
did  tou  see  ?  Spak  dis  moment,  Noll.  O  wee  !  O  wee  !" 

All  this  time  the  careful  wife  was  collecting  together  silver 
spoons,  chiuaware,  and  other  nice  things  known  only  in  the 
best  houses  of  the  colonists,  who  had  came  from  Holland,  or 
wrho  still  held  intercourse  with  the  mother  land.  The  chief 
of  those  things,  in  which,  as  a  good  wife,  she  prided  herself, 
had  already  been  put  aside  before  that  day,  in  anticipation  of 
such  an  onslaught,  as  it  had  been  threatened  many  a  time ;  but 
the  remainder  was  now  gathered  up  with  care.  When  all 
the  young  brood — children  of  Noll  and  Minerva — were  sent 
out  of  the  way,  these  faithful  servants  of  the  household,  \vho 
could  alone  be  trusted,  were  bidden  to  gather  up  the  bun 
dies,  and  carefully  stow  them  into  the  hidden  corner,  which 
was  not  opened  to  any  eyes,  except  to  those  who  would 
give  up  life  sooner  than  reveal  the  secret. 

"  O  wee  !  O  wee !"  came  ever  from  the  lips  and  the  heart 
of  the  anxious  Angelica.  "  Dere  is  de  sucker  kuppe  f  d.st 
mammy  gave  me  on  my  bruiloft  \  day,  ven  I  was  a  young  vrut- 
licken  lass,  like  Elsie.  Owee!  Owee!  Vere  is  Elsie  noo," 

Noll,  as  if  her  name  suggested  another  of  a  different  a<-:e 
acd  place,  here  chimed  in  with  wrhat  she  had  seen  on  the 
road,  where  he  had  been. 

"  Yah,  vele,  may  the  goede  vrowe  seek  for  Elsie.  Dat  ole 
Torry's  kinder  §  was  on  de  hill,  running  like  de  wile  cat  seek- 
ing Elsie." 

Angelica  looked  up,  as  if  she  had  been  struck  a  blow  OD 
the  temple,  and  almost  gasped  with  earnestness,  "  And  vay 

*  Mountain.  f  Sugar  bowl.  %  Bridal.  §  Sc  B. 


WARS   AND   KUMOKS   OF   WARS.  87 

do  you  call  de  Torry's  sonne,  Noll  ?     Answer,  negur,  for  your 
life." 

"  Noll  cannot  spak  when  goede  vrowe  scolds ;  Noll  must; 
wait  ande  tink — Tennis  Roe  rode  down  de  hill  on  de  sorrel, 
ande  stop  near  de  spring  haf  vay,  ande  speak  to  de  sly  In- 
dian, Shandaagan — Noll  looke  from  de  doder  side  of  de  clove." 

A  thousand  hopes  and  fears  rushed  through  the  anxious 
mother's  mind  at  this  information.  She  had  always  en- 
couraged Teunis  in  the  face  of  all  Martin's  prejudices ;  but 
here  was  something  like  holding  communication  with  the 
enemy.  It  was  just  in  the  midst  of  her  cogitation  that  tho 
young  man  himself  entered,  and  said,  almost  as  soon  as  he 
put  his  foot  within  door  : 

"Has  Elsie  come  home,  Anshela?  Tell  me,  if  you  would 
save  my  life  ?" 

"  Ande  whar's  Elsie  ?  and  whar's  de  Meester  ?  dat  I  vant  to 
kenne,"  said  the  anxious  wife  and  mother ;  "  dis  de  lange  * 
dai  en  me  leven,f  Teunis ;  all  is  goen  to  destruction ;  no  a 
wench  vill  do  aught  but  cry,  de  Indians!  and  every  negur 
of  dem  hiden  himself." 

"  You  have  not  seen  Noll  run,  vrowe  goode ;  yet  Noll  did 
not  run  when  the  Spanish  tooke  him  by  de  leg  an  tied  dim  ; 
and  clis  scalp  vill  be  but  poor  glody  ;"  and  like  all  his  race, 
when  he  was  not  crying  during  excitement,  he  was  sure  to 
laugh. 

Angelica  and  Teunis  had  retired  to  another  corner,  where 
they  were  in  earnest  consultation  concerning  what  was  to  be 
done  ;  for  now  a  crisis  in  the  affairs  of  all  had  come,  and  it 
must  be  met.  There  was  no  other  way  than  to  abandon  all 
the  houses  and  the  barns  to  the  cruelty  of  the  savages,  who  wero 
almost  sure  to  wreak  their  vengeance  on  Martin's  head  and 
property.  Teunis  gave  Noll  such  advice  as  the  old  negro 
would  take  from  him ;  which  was  but  little  till  the  mistress  of 
the  house  backed  it  by  her  word.  The  cattle  were  driven  oil 
to  seek  refuge  on  the  hills.  All  had  been  buried  that  could 
be  put  in  the  ground ;  furniture  was  sent  off  to  caves,  and 
under  water-falls,  and  clothing  distributed  among  neighbor- 
ing friends,  who  were  not  likely  to  be  exposed  to  the  ravages 
of  the  enemy.  The  most  difficult  matter  was  to  dispose  of 
the  negroes  in  such  a  way  that  they  could  be  taken  care  of. 
Like  all  animals,  they  clung  to  their  first  nest ;  and  as  somft 
of  them  were  now  nearly  as  old  as  Angelica  herself,  and 
Some  she  found  when  she  came  to  Hcogenhuisen  to  be  mistress, 

*  Long.  f  Life. 


88  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

it  was  the  most  trying  part  of  her  duty  to  put  them  in  a  way 
of  securing  themselves  against  injury.  There  was  an  old 
house  still  standing  down  in  a  glen,  in  which  they  stowed 
away  lumber  and  useless  tools,  and  things  which  Martin 
hated  to  burn  :  into  that  building  Noll  was  to  move  all  the 
black  family,  and  as  the  greatest  part  of  them  were  his  own 
offspring,  of  two  generations,  he  succeeded  in  collecting  them 
ia  a  drove,  and  putting  them  under  the  direction  of  old  Bet, 
who  managed  amidst  screams  and  cries  of  no  uncommon 
Jdnd,  to  bring  them  safely  to  their  house  of  refuge. 

All  this  had  to  be  done  before  Angelica  could  move ;  but 
when  all  was  accomplished  she  sat  down  beside  the  large 
fire-place,  where  the  greater  part  of  her  life  had  been  spent, 
and  though  the  word e  O  wee!  O  wee! — alas!  alas! — were 
frequently  on  her  tongue,  she  did  not  give  herself  up  to 
despair  and  to  inefficiency. 

In  the  meantime  Teunis  was  out  surveying  the  whole 
ground,  so  that  as  much  property  might  be  secured  as  possible, 
lleturning  toward  the  house  after  helping  to  drive  off  the 
cattle  and  the  hogs  into  the  woods,  he  stood  on  a  knoll, 
from  whence  he  surveyed  the  warning-fires,  that  rose  all  along 
the  river,  and  on  the  King's  Ridge,  like  a  string  of  lamps  lit 
for  a  festival,  where  was  to  be  feasting  and  frolicking. 

"Yes,"  said  Teunis,  speaking  to  himself,  "there  will  be 
noise  and  commotion  soon.  The  ball  is  just  opening,  and 
unless  God  interferes,  many  a  hearth  will  be  desolate.  What 
should  I  do  ?  Humanity  is  the  first  duty.  What  does  the 
Dominie  say  ?  '  Die  vader  of  moeder  liefheeft  boven  mij  is 
mijns  niet  waardig?  k  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother 
more  than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.'  Well,  I  love  one  more 
than  father  or  mother,  and  she  is  exposed  to  the  wrath  of  a 
cruel  enemy.  But  would  I  venture  my  life  and  honor  for 
another  girl  in  the  Kaatsberg,  or  on  the  airth  ?  and  yet  I 
feel  that  I  am  but  following  out  my  conviction  ;  only  1  have 
been  as  undecided  as  my  pistol  is  when  it  hangs  fire.  This 
trouble  has  made  me  pick  my  flint.  One  thing  I  am  sure  is 
right  now — help  Angelica  in  her  trouble.  The  Dominie  agaiu 
must  help  me  here  for  encouragement.  '  Kleenen  te  drinker 
geeft  alleenlijk  eenen  beker  koud  water,'  A  cup  of  cold  water 
to  one  of  these  little  ones,  will  ease  my  conscience,  more  in 
my  last  moments  than  a  sea  of  blood  in  the  cause  of  King 
George.' " 

In  the  midst  of  these  musings  his  eye  was  fixed  on  a  small 
fire  that  twinkled  among  tho  heavy  trees  that  grew  on  the 


WARS   AND   RUMORS   OF   WARS.  89 

opposite  side  of  the  gulf  from  were  lie  stood.  The  secrecy 
of  the  place,  and  the  silence,  convinced  him  that  the  time  was 
at  hand  for  the  threatened  attack;  and  , without  further 
delay  he  hastened  back  to  warn  Angelica  of  the  danger.  As 
he  turned  to  enter  the  door-yard,  he  saw  between  him  and 
the  barn  wall  a  figure  moving  hastily  from  him,  and  disap- 
pearing in  the  shade.  This  was  no  pleasant  reflection,  for  he 
was  convinced  that  it  must  be  some  spy  sent  from  the  enemy, 
who  was  posted  near  ;  so  he  ran  toward  the  place  as  lightly 
as  he  could,  and  just  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  glimpse  of 
Shanduagan,  but  that  was  all.  It  was  in  vain  to  pursue  him 
further,  so  he  hastened  back  to  where  he  had  left  Angelica, 
but  it  was  with  equal  fear  and  surprise  that  he  found  all 
empty.  The  fire  burned  on  the  hearth,  and  other  things 
were  in  the  same  condition  as  he  had  seen  them  an  hour  ago, 
but  all  was  silent. 

He  turned  to  go,  after  a  vj\in  search,  satisfied  that  the 
vrowe  had  retired  to  some  hiding-place  of  which  she  knew 
herself.  He  was  mounting  the  impatient  Sorrel,  when 
Angelica  came  to  him,  and  with  great  tenderness  and  emo- 
tion took  his  hand. 

"  Teunis,  tee  vele  be  kind  to  Elsie.  Martin  vill  yield.  O, 
wTee  !  O,  wee !  dis  may  be  our  last  meeting.  My  dochter ! 
my  dochter !" 

Here  the  feelings  of  the  mother  overpowered  her. 

"  I  cannot  leave  you,"  mother,  he  was  going  to  say 
"  Come  up  behind  me  here  on  Sorrel,  and  you  will  be  put 
safe  down  in  any  place  where  you  wish  to  go  ;"  for  he  knew 
that  he  could  not  offer  her  a  place  of  refuge  even  with  his 
mother,  lest  his  father  should  find  her  there. 

"  Nay,  nay,  Teunie,  I  must  wait  here.  De  wolf  zal  met 
het  lam  verkeeren  ende  luypart  by  den  guiten  bok  nedder- 
legen  zal  all  doyven ;  and  with  that,  she  suddenly  turned 
from  him  and  disappeared,  where  Teunis  could  not  find  out, 
and,  as  he  rightly  judged,  she  had  sought  the  hiding-place, 
and  did  not  wish  that  even  he  should  know  the  spot,  he 
rode  off'  at  full  speed  for  the  Baackouter,  where  his  lather 
was  expecting  him  with  great  impatience. 

"The  goode  vrowe,"  said  Teunis  to  himself,  "  spoke  a  pro- 
phecy, and  more  than  she  intended,  when  she  said  the  ^olf 
shall  dwell  with  the  lamb  ;  for  my  fear  is  now,  that  that  greedy 
wolf,  Kiskataam,  willhave  my  lamb  beside  him  before  the  morn- 
ing, and  the  English  kid  will  be  at  the  mercy  of  that  cruel 
leopard,  who  evidently  would  lick  her  blood.  But  let  me  not 


90  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

despair  ;  Elsie  will  go  through*  where  any  other  would  stick 
fast." 

Going  on  at  as  rapid  a  rate  as  the  ground  would  allow 
him  ;  for  he  had  turned  into  one  of  those  byways  which  he 
knew  well,  he  came  to  a  low  marshy  place,  where  the  ground 
was  like  a  thick  carpet ;  so  soft  that  the  shoes  of  his  horse 
made  no  noise.  One  reason  why  he  chose  it  was,  that  he 
might  avoid  any  scouts  sent  to  spy  the  public  road.  AH  at 
once  his  horse  pricked  up  his  ears ;  a  certain  warning,  which 
a  cautious  man  never  despises.  Nor  was  it  needless  in  this 
instance,  for  both  rider  and  horse  were  in  a  moment  all 
alive.  All  eye  and  ear,  Teunis  looked  round,  and  paused 
that  he  might  hear ;  and  well  it  was  that  he  did  use  all  these 
precautions,  for  just  as  he  was  about  to  put  the  spur  into  the 
flanks  of  Sorrel,  and  escape  out  of  the  narrow  defile,  he  heard 
a  low  bark  on  his  left,  which  assured  him  that  some  one  was 
close  by.  He  wheeled  his  horse  round  a  rock,  which  stood 
near,  and  there  behind  it  was  the  Indian  Shandaagan,  holding 
the  dog,  liover,  by  a  bark  string,  from  which  he  was  evi- 
dently trying  to  escape.  He  was  holding  the  dog's  jaws 
between  his  fingers  to  prevent  his  giving  alarm.  Tennis  was 
the  first  to  speak,  as  a  white  man,  however  slow  he  be,  is 
always  sure  to  do. 

"  Shandaagan  is  kind  to  Martin's  dog.  The  folks  of 
Hoogenhuisen  want  the  dog.  They  need  all  their  friends. 
The  Indian  always  got  milk  and  succotash  at  Martin's 
house." 

These  words  were  cold  thrusts  to  the  wily  Indian ;  and  he 
was  at  a  loss  whether  to  interpret  them  as  the  expression  of 
simple  earnest,  or  intended  sarcasm.  Had  he  been  sure 
concerning  the  young  Dutchman's  knowledge  of  recent  facts, 
he  would  have  had  some  cue  ;  or  were  he  sure  to  which  side 
of  the  public  contest  he  leaned,  the  difficulty  would  have  been 
less ;  but  in  doubt  he  yielded  to  the  suggestion  of  giving  up 
the  dog  to  the  rightful  owner,  by  putting  him  at  the  disposal 
of  Tennis. 

"  Indian  knows  Martin's  dog,  and  dog  loves  Shandaagan.'' 
This  was  said  as  an  excuse  for  his  having  the  property  of 
Martin  in  his  possession. 

"  Dog  loves  Shandaagan  with  a  string,"  said  Teunis,  laugiw 
ing,  so  that  the  other  felt  the  rebuke,  and  let  go  his  hold, 
which  Rover  no  sooner  found  out,  than  he  leapt  up  in  recog- 
nition of  the  new  comer.  This  so  mortified  the  Indian,  that 
be  betrayed  some  feeling,  and  was  ready  to  execute  any  cou- 


WARS   AND   HUMORS   O^   WARS.  91 

trary  manoeuvre,  which  might  divert  the  Dutchman  from  the 
game  he  himself  was  endeavoring  to  entrap ;  for,  as  all  may 
guess,  it  was  after  Elsie  and  her  companion  that  he  waa 
tracking  ;  and  the  dog  he  had  been  using  to  this  end  all  the 
morning,  since  the  time  he  had  succeeded  in  capturing  the 
unfortunate  Martin.  Knowing,  as  he  did,  the  political  bins 
of  old  Jacob  Roe,  he  presumed  that  any  information  of  the 
movements  of  the  king's  party  must  interest  the  young 
man.  So  stepping  up  close  to  the  saddle,  as  if  he  were  con- 
fiding a  secret  to  the  rider,  he  almost  whispered,  as  he 
pointed  his  finger  in  the  direction  where  Teunis  had  seen  the 
fire,  and  said  : 

"Brandt's  braves  slide  down  the  mountain.  The  pine 
trees  shake  with  their  feet." 

Teunis  started  at  this  announcement,  and  checking  up  his 
rein,  he  sat  erect,  ready  to  spring.  "  Where  is  Brandt  and 
his  men  ?"  He  was  nearly  saying  verwerpelyk — reprobates — 
when  he  bit  his  lip,  which  the  sly  Indian  did  not  see,  or  he 
•would  not  have  replied  as  lie  did. 

"  See !  there  they  are  now,  and  the  young  Dutchman  is 
wanted  by  King  George's  men." 

"  Where  then  are  the  rest  of  the  king's  servants  ?  Where 
is  Kiskataam  ?  Why  is  Sharidaagan  not  there  instead  of 
lying  here  behind  a  stone,  nursing  a  dog  in  a  string?" 

This  cut  to  the  quick,  but  the  red  man  was  on  his  guard, 
and  quietly  walked  off,  saying  something  about  "  watching 
the  fire  on  the  rock."  He  gave  a  careless  whistle,  intended 
for  the  dog,  but  the  latter  preferred  liberty  to  a  chain,  and 
ran  barking  and  leaping  up  before  Sorrel,  who  sympathized 
with  the  spirit,  by  making  up  for  the  loss  of  time  by  his  in- 
creased speed. 

Down  the  mountain  the  three  went,  each  one  apparently 
more  eager  than  the  others  ;  but  Rover  was  always  in  the 
van,  Avith  curled  tail ;  and  as  he  turned  occasionally  around, 
he  seemed  to  say,  "  I  know  more  of  them  you  seek,  than 
you  can  ever  know  without  my  help."  The  thought  of  using 
the  animal  in  finding  out  his  mistress  grew  before  his  mind, 
till  it  became  a  settled  thing  with  him,  by  the  time  he  stood 
on  the  hill  that  overlooked  Baackouter,  where  his  father's 
house  was  ;  when  all  at  once  the  question  rose  to  his  tongue  : 
What  should  be  done  with  Rover  ?  They  will  ask  me  where 
I  have  been,  and  then  as  quick  as  one  question  is  put,  the 
next  will  be — "  Have  you  been  at  Martin's  ?"  They  all  know 
Hover,  and  my  liking  for  his  mistress;  and  she  is  a  Whig, 


92  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE 

and  as  they  will  be  sure  to  abuse  all  Whigs,  her  father  must 
take  the  chief  share.  They  will  torment  me  till  I  break  out 
in  &  passion  and  declare  myself.  I  will  send  the  dog  back. 
He  will  find  out  his  friends,  and  help  to  protect  them.  He 
tried  to  drive  Rover  back,  but  he  ran  all  the  faster  ;  then 
hiding  himself,  he  would  come  up  at  full  speed,  and  pass  the 
horse  with  a  bound,  as  if  proud  of  his  feat. 

"  You  must  take  your  risk  then,  poor  dog,  though  I  fear 
if  Dad  sees  you,  there  will  be  biit  little  mercy  shown  to  you, 
Whig  as  you  are." 


CHAPTER    IX. 

THE   DEPTHS    OP    SATAN. 

"  Do  thou  but  threat,  loud  storms  shall  make  reply, 
And  thunder  echo  to  the  trembling  sky ; 
The  drud.cing  sun,  from  his  old  beaten  way, 
Shall  at  toy  voice  start,  and  misguide  the  day. 
Heaven's  gilded  troops  shall  flutter  here  and  there, 
Mocking  thy  eldritch  tones  around  the  sphere." 

COWLKT. 

MUSING  was  new  to  this  young  man.  He  had  sat  for 
hours  gazing  into  the  fire,  seeing  droves  of  red  deer  and 
swarms  of  wildcats  running  over  the  hills,  but  his  mind  went  no 
farther  than  the  fire.  Plis  ideas  were  all  gathered  from  the 
narrow  bounds  of  his  nativity.  But  here,  on  his  horse,  he 
sat  in  silence,  while  his  thoughts,  new  fledged,  were  floating 
in  an  atmosphere  of  love.  Suddenly  waking  up,  he  rode 
down  hill  at  full  speed,  and  in  the  twilight  was,  after  the  ex- 
citing events  of  the  day,  in  a  proper  state  of  mind  to  become 
superstitious.  Still,  being  now  in  great  haste,  he  left  the 
main  road  for  a  bridle  path  he  knew  well,  and  which  led 
nim  through  the  bed.of  a  spring  stream  that  ran  down  to  the 
flats  below.  The  land  lay  high  on  both  sides,  and  the  little 
light  at  this  hour  was  almost  entirely  shut  out.  On  the  side 
of  one  of  these  little  hills  was  a  deep  pit,  Avhich  tradition 
said  had  been  dug  by  a  crazy  German,  who  had  conceived 
the  notion  that  some  precious  metal  lay  imbedded  there. 
From  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  the  Hudson  River,  gold 
seekers  had  been  all  over  these  mountains,  and  wonderful 
tales  were  rife  of  silver  mines  being  found  when  sinking  wells 
and  while  hunting  Avolves.  Some  one  had  shown  Heindrii'k 


THE   DEPTHS   OF    SATAN.  93 

Van  Guilder  a  shining  stone  that  he  pronounced  gold,  and 
this  set  him  crazy  that  he  might  find  out  the  bed  where  it 
came  from.  He  bought  the  secret  at  a  high  price,  and  for 
months,  alone,  day  and  night,  was  he  found  dig,  dig,  digging 
still,  in  hopes  of  reaching  the  treasure.  He  had  one  answer 
to  all  that  found  him  out.  "What  are  you  doing  there, 
Heimlrick  ?" 

"Ilet  koningrijk  der  hemelen  or  dis  het  my  graf."  He 
would  either  have  the  kingdom  of  heaven  or  a  grave. 

A  grave  he  did  find,  for  one  day  some  hunters,  following 
their  dogs,  came  into  this  hollow,  when,  horrible  to  behold! 
there  stood,  in  his  pit,  Heindrick,  with  his  spade  in  hand, 
looking  down  into  the  ground.  They  called  to  him,  but  he 
gave  no  reply.  After  a  while,  one  more  daring  than  the  rest 
ventured  down,  and  found  that  the  body  was  stiff  and 
frozen.  They  laid  him  out  as  he  was,  covering  him  up  with 
the  earth  he  had  thrown  out  himself.  Ever  after,  super- 
stition and  natural  fear  combined  to  render  this  a  haunted 
place.  A  slight  shiver  came  over  the  young  Boerman  as  he 
passed  the  place  where  the  disappointed  gold  digger  lay. 
It  was  said  that  groans  and  sighs  had  been  heard  coining 
out  of  the  pit,  as  if  some  weary  man  were  expressing  his  sor- 
row over  something  lost ;  and  these  would  continue  till  they 
would  be  interrupted  by  shouts  of  contempt,  as  if  the  poor 
wretch  were  taunted  by  those  who  had  themselves  known 
what  disappointed  ambition  was,  and  were  now  too  eager  to 
have  a  companion  in  their  misery.  When  these  reports  were 
brought  to  the  Dominie  he  generally  smiled,  whether  in  doubt 
or  belief  no  one  could  guess,  but  when  Bromie  \7an  Guiseu 
told  him  that  he  saw  a  terrible  thing  in  the  moonlight,  that 
was  the  very  shape  of  an  ass,  the  good  man  could  not  restrain 
telling  him  lie  was  frightened  at  his  own  shadow. 

Teuuis  this  evening  passed  the  pit  almost  expecting  to  see 
something,  at  the  close  of  a  day  in  which  he  had  seen  so  much 
already.  Sure  enough,  voices  fell  upon  his  ears.  At  first  ho 
was  determined  to  believe  that  they  were  in  his  imagination 
only,  but  his  horse,  pricking  up  his  ears,  proved  to  him  that 
the  animal,  through  her  instinct,  felt  herself  to  be  on  devilish 
ground.  What  startled  the  young  horseman  still  more,  was 
the  flight  of  Rover,  who  had  retreated  homeward  with  a  speed 
which  the  man  was  just  about  imitating.  As  it  was,  he  now 
was  brought  to  a  stand-still  condition,  and  listening,  he  heard 
sounds  not  unfamiliar  to  his  ears.  It  was  the  tam-tam — the 
African  drum — which  the  negroes  used  in  all  their  jollifies 


94  THB   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

tions.  Its  being  beaten  at  that  time,  though  evidently  under 
restraint  and  at  intervals,  intimated  to  the  listener  that  some- 
thing was  going  on  in  the  nether  regions. 

"  These  are  not  spooks,"  said  Teunis  to  himself,  "  that  I 
need  be  afraid  of.  If  they  be  entertaining  old  Heindrick  Van 
Guilder,  he  has  better  company  than  the  country  believes. 
Let  me  find  out  these  geestes." 

With  these  reflections,  he  tied  Sorrel  to  a  tree  and  followed 
the  sounds,  which  became  more  distinct  at  every  step. 
Climbing  up  one  of  those  steep  ascents,  found  at  the  base  of 
the  mountain,  about  one  hundred  feet,  and  proceeding  hastily 
in  a  southerly  course,  he  saw  lights  shining  from  below  on  his 
left  hand.  On  looking  narrowly,  he  perceived  that  those 
lights  and  sounds  came  alike  from  a  deep  defile  that  was 
hidden  by  the  trees  and  bushes,  which  grew  thick  on  the 
sides,  and  spread  their  branches  so  as  to  meet  across,  making 
a  dark,  damp,  though  spacious  apartment,  far  down  from  the 
place  where  Teunis  stood.  He  remembered  the  place,  having 
entered  from  below  through  a  small,  covered,  natural  entrance, 
where  the  fox  and  the  bear  found  a  refuge  during  the  gloomy 
months  of  winter.  It  had  in  former  times  been  a  retreat  for 
the  Indians.  Ashes,  cinders,  pipes  and  arrow  heads  were 
found  here,  together  with  their  utensils  for  cooking  fish. 
The  mill,  in  which  some  ancient  squaw  had  ground  her  corn 
to  meal,  had  been  dug  out  from  one  of  the  recesses  ir.  that 
rock,  and  stood  as  an  ornament  upon  Garret  Abiel's  mantel- 
shelf left  there,  no  doubt,  as  in  a  place  of  safety,  till  her  re- 
turn; but  alas!  the  place  that  once  knew  her,  no\v  knows 
neither  her  nor  her  race  any  more. 

Their  cave  was  occupied  at  the  time  Teunis  gazed  down, 
by  another  race,  whom  the  great  Mohicans,  in  the  days  of 
Etau-o-quam,  king  of  the  rivers,  would  have  despised. 
About  sixty  negroes  of  the  jettest  black,  male  and  female, 
were  assembled  around  a  rough  stone  furnace,  about  three 
feet  high,  which  looked  like  one  of  those  ancient  altars  at 
Baal,  seen  in  the  pictures  of  old  Dutch  Bibles.  On  the  top 
burned  a  bright  fire,  fed  by  pine  cones,  gathered  near  the 
place.  The  heat  and  smoke  were  diffused  around ;  finding 
their  way  up  to  where  Teunis  lay,  looking  down  upon  the 
whole  crew  with  curious  amazement.  They  sat  on  their 
haunches  in  a  circle  round  the  fire ;  a  man  and  a,  woman 
alternately,  all  naked  to  the  Avaist.  Their  elbows  rested  or, 
their  knees,  while  they  held  out  the  palms  of  their  hands,  be 
twoen  their  faces  and  the  fire,  as  if  to  catoh  the  heat,  and 


THE    DEPTHS    OF    SATAN.  95 


turn  aside  the  Haze.  In  this  posture  they  chanted  some 
landish  words,  which  were  varied  by  a  chorus,  which  came 
nearer  to  the  squeaking  of  pigs  than  any  sound  the  listener 
ever  heard.  When  his  eyes  were  set  so  as  to  distinguish 
objects  and  persons  sufficiently  plain,  he  perceived  that  the 
company  were  all  known  to  him,  belonging  as  they  did  to  the 
families  around.  Most  of  them  were  direct  from  Africa  — 
some  brought  hither  when  young,  but  there  were  ruling 
spirits  among  them  who  knew  the  difference  between  the 
country  of  their  birth,  with  its  customs,  and  the  one  in  which 
they  now  lived.  First  and  seemingly  highest  in  the  seat  of 
honor  was  Cuffee,  Abiel's  chief  man  of  all  work.  The  Elder> 
on  his  way  back  from  Jamaica,  where  he  had  been  with  horses 
and  cattle,  landed  at  New  York,  where  he  exchanged  mo- 
lasses and  rum  for  a  lively  black  fellow,  who  being  able 
bodied,  and  sometimes  too  able  minded  for  the  Dutch  boys 
of  his  own  age,  became  quite  an  important  personage  in  the 
Bught,  far  and  near.  He  always  maintained  that  he  was  the 
oldest  son  of  an  African  king  ;  and  one  of  the  favorite  enter- 
tainments of  the  fireside  on  winter  nights,  was  to  get  Cuffee 
to  tell  how  he  was  kidnapped  when  he  was  on  his  bridal  tour 
with  Coomba.  He  would  say  : 

"  She  was'm  gran'  sodger.  Had  great  body  guard  ob 
young  febels,  like  herselb  ;  all  very  hebby  and  verylubby; 
hebby  as  massa's  young  steer,  ebery  one." 

He  made  out  a  long  story  about  breaking  through  a  fence, 
for  a  sacrifice  that  Fetish  must  have,  for  getting  him  such  a 
good  wife  ;  and  how  just  when  he  had  secured  the  finest 
young  maiden  of  the  village,  the  men  of  the  place  c;ime  be- 
hind them,  seizing  him  and  others,  putting  a  bamboo  girdle 
round  him,  to  which  they  tied  his  hands  down  to  his  side, 
till  he  was  put  on  board  ship,  and  landed  in  King  George's 
dominions  at  New  York. 

"  Served  you  right,"  the  young  lads  would  say,  to  provoke 
him.  "  Good  for  you,  Cuffy,"  the  old  vrows  would  cry,  "to 
be  brought  here  where  the  good  'Dominie  would  make  a 
Christian  of  you,  if  you  had  not  zeven  duivels  in  tee  ;  yaw, 
zevontig  maal  —  zeven  maal  duivels." 

"  Juggue  man  for  me,"  he  would  answer  with  haste  ;  and 
sometimes  with  a  stroke  of  paganism  that  startled  his  honest 
hearers.  All  the  authority  of  his  master  could  not  make  him 
enter  the  church  door,  nor  bring  him  to  sit  patiently  while 
the  good  pastor  catechized  the  other  members  of  the  house 
hold. 


96  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

The  other  actors  in  this  hidden  drama — or  whatever  else  it 
was — did  not  yet  appear,  were  Dora,  and  her  son,  a  raiser- 
able  hunchback  of  over  twenty-five  years  of  age,  though 
only  about  four  feet  in  height.  His  breast  protruded  far  out, 
while  his  head  sank  down  between  his  shoulders  so  that 
when  he  walked  it  seemed  to  rise  regularly  up  and  down,  as 
if  his  spine  struck,  every  step  he  took,  upon  a  spring  at  the 
root,  that  sent  it  back  with  a  force  which  kept  the  upper 
knob  bob,  bobbing,  making  his  height  vary  about  four  inches 
at  each  step.  Nor  was  this  all,  for  his  eyes  and  ears 
obeyed  the  downward  and  upward  motion  ;  almost  meeting 
when  he  stretched,  and  rolling  off  when  he  crouched.  Tlu 
effect  on  the  spectator  was  to  keep  him  half  way  between 
terror  and  laughter,  every  time  the  strange  figure  moved. 
Along  with  these  curious  contortions,  he  had  the  unnatural 
power  of  ventriloquism,  which  his  mother  had  found  out 
early,  and  encouraged  for  her  own  purposes.  He  had  a 
shrewdness  that  was  remarkable  ;  and  most  seen  at  the  time 
he  was  left  to  himself,  for  then  the  use  of  all  language  seemed 
free.  In  his  mother's  presence  he  seemed  but  a  part  of  her- 
self, and  understood  every  sign  she  gave,  watching  how  he 
might  carry  out  her  designs.  This  arose  from  her  constantly 
telling  him  that  the  Fetish  god  was  in  him  ;  and  so  rare  and 
singular  was  the  power  of  double  speech,  that  the  whites 
around  them  hardly  knew  of  it :  and  as  to  the  blacks,  they  all 
regarded  Unga  Golah  as  the  mouth  of  the  Fetish,  and  Dora 
as  the  regular  and  true  Priestess. 

Teunis,  however,  was  not  altogether  ignorant  of  th.ese 
things.  From  daiiy  intercourse  with  the  blacks,  and  espe- 
cially with  the  hunchback,  who  Avas  nearly  of  his  own  age,  he 
had  discovered  this  hidden  power  of  speaking  double.  Re- 
cently, however,  he  had  observed  that  Dora  had  checked 
him,  and  that  some  strange  notions  had  taken  possession  of 
her  brain.  He  had  found  her  at  home,  and  also  in  the  bush, 
training  her  oracle,  by  putting  him  through  a  kind  of  drilling 
in  the  African  language  ;  as  he  or  she  would  respond  to  it  in 
Dutch  or  English,  or  a  gibberish  of  all  three. 

The  influence  which  the  black  crone  had  over  her  ignorant 
associates  was  sufficient  to  turn  her  head,  and  her  son's  with 
her  ;  and  no  one,  knowing  the  barbarism  from  which  they  had 
emerged  so  recently,  need  wonder  at  the  rites  of  superstition 
practised  by  them  in  secret,  since  the  fear  of  a  Great  Supreme 
\vas  not  lessened  by  their  translation  hither,  even  when  it  was 
directed  aright  by  instruction  in  the  true  faith. 


THE   DEPTHS   OF   SATAN.  97 

What  astonished  Teunis  was  the  actual  earnestness  of  the 
whole  band.  Accustomed  as  he  had  always  been  to  the  loud 
and  frivolous  mirth  of  the  blacks,  he  waited  after  their  first; 
song  and  their  dance  hand  in  hand  round  something  that 
stood  in  the  middle  of  the  rough  floor,  with  Dora  and  Unga 
Golah  by  it,  to  hear  them  break  out  in  a  confused  Babylon  of 
tongues,  laughter,  and  shrieks ;  but  no  such  noises  followed. 
He  was  then,  convinced  that  something  serious  was  going  on, 
Surprise  gave  way  to  curiosity.  He  now  remembered  whar, 
had  been  talked  of  some  time  since  concerning  the  witchcraft 
of  Dora  and  Juggy — for  by  that  name  the  hunchback  was. 
known  all  over  the  region — and  how  Cuffee  was  seen  to 
plunge  into  the  woods  at  certain  times,  said  to  be  at  the  full 
moon,  till  at  last  suspicion  was  aroused,  that  conspiracy  was 
going  on  among  the  slaves,  when  they  were  followed,  and 
watched  by  David  Abiel,  who  reported  something  like  the 
very  scene  Teunis  was  now  witnessing. 

"  Let  me  tell  you,"  said  the  Elder  to  the  Dominie,  "  that 
strange  doings  are  going  on  below  Face  outer." 

But  the  common  sense  pastor  hooted  at  it,  and  smoked 
away  at  the  other  pipe. 

The  Elder,  somewhat  piqued,  said:  "Dominie,  you  don't 
mean  that  our  David  is  a  luegnaar  fn 

"  Nay,  nay,  Elder,  he  is  no  liar,  but  he  may  tell  very  large 
truths.  This  cuppee  of  good  Hollands  would  be  good  stufi 
were  you  to  throw  it  into  your  water  cask  out  there ;  but  I 
vow,  I  would  rather  have  the  water  by  itself,  and  another 
cuppee — pure,  though  less  of  it." 

"  Well,  Dominie,  you  are  a  wise  man,  but  I  believe  that 
Cuffee  is  a  red  hieden  en  de  tollenaar ;  and  that  Dora,  for  ail 
you  praise  her  and  her  kinderen,  is  niet  else  than  a  Tooverd."  * 

The  Dominie  laughed,  saying :  "  Strange  to  find  Cuffee  a 
heathen  and  a  publican,  in  an  elder's  family ;  and  believe  me 
that  some  other  folks  are  more  of  the  witch  kind  than  Dora." 

The  truth  was  that  Dora  attended  the  kerke  regularly,  and 
was  on  the  outside  all  Christian.  Naturally  apt  and  cunning, 
she  had  picked  up  many  of  the  practices  she  saw,  and  used 
them,  the  better  to  blind  the  white  folks  and  carry  on  her 
designs :  though  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  say  what 
these  were,  beyond  the  self-gratification  of  having  others 
afraid  of  her. 

After  chanting  the  song  that  Teunis  first  heard,  the  circle 

»  Witch. 
5 


93  THE   DUTCH    DOMIXIE. 

widened  for  the  dance.  Half  naked  as  they  were,  their 
bodies  glittering  with  oil  and  vinegar,  so  that  the  gloss  might 
remain,  they  stood  out  waiting  for  the  sign  which  was  given, 
when  Juggy  threw  some  mixture  into  the  lire,  that  sent  up  a 
greenish  blaze,  like  what  salt  and  brimstone,  when  burned 
with  alcohol,  will  produce.  Teunis  stood  aghast  when  he  be- 
held them  all  with  their  green  eyes  glancing,  their  white 
jaws  chattering,  and  their  limbs  going  like  the  legs  of  large 
toads  in  a  putrid  pond,  when  the  sun  is  hot  and  the  trees 
shady. 

To  heighten  the  effect  of  her  power,  Dora  poured  upon 
her  hands  some  liquid,  and  proceeded  to  take  up  some  coals 
of  fire,  tossing  them  unharmed  from  one  hand  to  the  other, 
and  even  putting  out  her  tongue  as  if  she  could  eat  fire. 
Teunis  knew  of  her  tricks  in  this,  but  her  followers  shouted 
"gree,  gree  man,"  giving  her  sacred  honors.  This  was  the 
word  by  which  the  old  witch  had  often  frightened  Teunis 
when  he  was  a  child,  but  this  was  the  first  time  he  had  seen 
.its  meaning  to  be  heathenish,  and  as  connected  with  herself. 
He  had  once  heard  her,  when  in  a  rage,  utter  a  mixture  of 
words,  which  he  supposed  to  be  a  pagan  curse,  when  gree, 
gree,  was  the  burden  of  the  rhyme;  and  Tom,  the  Domi- 
nie's man,  had  often  been  heard  to  say,  that  Dora  was  a  gree 
gree  priestess  in  Guinea.  These  things  were  current,  but 
witch  was  the  highest  title  bestowed  upon  her  among  the 
whites. 

The  dance  over,  there  was  a  long,  rough  box  produced 
from  a  recess  in  the  rocks,  and  laid  down  with  great  care. 
It  was  ornamented  with  different  colored  cloths,  not  unlike 
the  quilts,  or  chair  cushions,  found  in  old  houses  of  wealth, 
where  the  ladies  have  time  to  be  ornamental  as  well  as  use- 
ful. On  laying  the  chest  down  on  the  ground,  there  ran 
through  the  whole  circle  the  sound,  Fetish !  fetish !  Teu- 
nis knew  this  word  well  from  hearing  Dora  repeat  it  in  her 
prayer,  in  the  same  breath  with  Heeren,  Goden,  Fetish  ; 
which  he  supposed  was  but  the  African  word  for  God.  He 
now  found  the  true  meaning.  This  must  be  some  kind  of  an 
idol ;  and  she  was  the  acting  priestess.  Uncovering  the  box, 
she  moved  round  it  in  a  beckoning  gait,  snapping  her  fingers, 
which  was  the  signal  for  the  whole  company  to  follow  with 
the  same  movement,  and  the  same  sound. 

After  this,  all  stood  still,  when  the  voice  of  Dora  was 
heard  calling  out  Unga  Golah ;  and  the  deformed  imp  came 
forward,  crawling  on  his  hands  and  knees,  close  up  to  the 


THE   DEPTHS   OF   SATAN.  99 

asking  in  a  loud  whisper,  at  the  opening  in  the  eni  of 
the  box,  in  the  African  tongue : 

"  Who  shall  be  king  of  the  colored  regiment?" 

When  an  answer  came  as  if  out  of  the  inside,  loud  enough 
to  be  heard  through  the  cave : 

"  Who  should  be  captain  but  de  King  of  Dahomey  and  de 
Prince  of  Bungalore  ?" 

Cuifee  gave  a  start,  so  well  feigned  that  it  was  considered 
real,  and  as  no  one  but  the  initiated  understood  the  trick, 
and  these  did  not  exceed  three  persons  present,  it  was  no 
wonder  that  all  ran  back  in  fear,  when  Dora  opened  the  box, 
and  out  sprung  a  rattlesnake,  with  its  fiery  tongue  protruded 
from  its  mouth.  More  horror  still  seized  them,  when  the 
hunchback,  without  the  least  hesitation,  lifted  the  reptile  in 
his  hands,  twisting  him  round  his  short  neck,  with  the 
open  jaws  of  the  snake  before  his  face,  so  that  the  mouth  of 
the  human  monster  was  ready  to  speak  in  question  or  reply. 
Walking  back  into  the  furthest  recess  of  the  cave,  he  stepped 
upon  a  shelf  in  the  rock,  when  he  put  his  lips  out,  aud  his 
head  at  the  highest,  and  calling  in  a  loud  voice  : 

"  Who  be  captain  of  de  black  regiment  for  de  great  King 
George  ?" 

"  Mongee  Cuffee,  prince  of  Dahomey."  This  answer  was 
in  an  entirely  different  voice;  and  to  those  who  saw  the  ugly 
snake,  how  it  writhed  and  turned,  putting  out  its  tongue 
fiercely,  and  many  times,  the  reply  evidently  came  from  it ; 
for  Juggy  had  covered  his  own  mouth  so  that  his  lips  never 
moved.  Besides,  the  voice  was  neither  that  of  man  nor  wo- 
man, but  a  sound  which  any  superstitious  mind  would  inter, 
pret  as  a  fiend's  answer. 

Teunis  began  to  see  through  this  trick  and  its  object,  and 
was  curious  to  ascertain,  from  actual  observation,  how  far 
Cuffee's  mind  accorded  with  the  hint  given.  It  was  evident 
that  all  eyes  were  fixed  on  him,  expecting  some  demonstra- 
tion, when  he  rose,  bowing  himself  all  the  way  up  to  the 
place  where  the  snake  and  his  master  stood,  and  asked: 

"  Vat  vill  de  Fetish  hab  de  King  of  Dahomey  do  first  ?" 

"  Gib  de  big  Elder  'Biel  into  de  ban's  ob  de  great  Ingen 
dis  night." 

What  deceived  even  Teunis  so  far  was  the  number  of 
times  this  was  repeated.  It  seemed  as  if  it  came  out  of  the 
rocks,  behind  and  from  above,  again  and  again,  ten  times 
over,  assuring  him  that,  well  as  he  knew  the  cunning  dwarf, 
there  was  something  more  in  the  power  he  possessed  than  * 


100  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

mere  double  voice.  Nor  did  he  fully  understand  it,  till 
afterward,  going  into  the  same  recess,  he  spoke  a  fesv  words, 
which  were  echoed  and  reechoed  so  often,  that  he  became 
startled  lest  he  had  wakened  up  the  African  gree  grce  of 
his  childish  days.  By  repeating,  the  secret  was  revealed, 
and  certainly  it  was  well  fitted  for  the  cell  of  a  necromancer  ; 
more  especially  for  such  a  one  as  Juggy,  with  his  double 
voice. 

As  the  play  went  on,  between  the  hunchback  and  the 
snake,  Cuffee  assumed  more  boldness,  becoming  desirous  of 
having  his  future  fortune  told. 

"  Fetish  say  dat  Cuffee  vill  be  big  capden  en  king's  black 
army,  dat  is  to  be.  Wat  coat  sail  Cuffee  wear  ?" 

"  Red  like  de  coal,  and  de  color  of  de  blood,  when  de 
pigs  squeal.  De  coat  sail  glitter  all  de  over  wid  silver,  like 
de  plum-tree  in  de  spring,  when  de  birds  sing  small  abobe  de 
windows." 

The  great  stout  fellow  stood  out  at  full  length,  well  satis. 
fied  that  his  time  was  come  to  act ;  and  so  turning  to  the 
rest,  who  were  looking  with  perfect  admiration,  he  addressed 
them  in  what  he  intended  should  be  a  moving  speech. 

"  Coloerd  bruders  of  de  good  Guinea  blood,  dat  has  run 
like  de  Cauterskill  Creek,  through  three  generations.  Brud- 
ers, you'd  'members  de  day  when  de  sun  rose  before  you,  and 
set  when  you'd  put  out  de  finger  at  him,  till  he  would  get 
blood  in  de  face.  No  whip  den  make  Cuffee  jumb ;  no  ox 
waitin'  for  him  chewing  his  cud ;  no  milk  den,  but  to  drink  it 
all.  All  de  earth  beautiful  as  missis'  gownde  when  she  go 
out  to  drink  tea ;  and  de  trees  sparkling  like  de  butt'ns  on 
xnassa's  Sunday  coat.  De  dolphins  sport  in  de  water  like  de 
calves  when  de  cow-bell  tinkles  in  de  woods,  and  Cuffee  lying 
on  de  ground,  make  believe  in  de  sleep  and  dream. 

"  All  dat  seek  dese  fine  tings,  meet  Cuffee  at  Phoebe  Hotel, 
where  de  bounty  will  be  paid  down  in  bright  dollars,  out  of 
de  big  cheat  dat  lies  in  de  back  room,  under  de  ole  man5! 
bed,  when  de  key  is  put  into  dis  place  by  de  big  Indian,  at 
twelve  in  de  middle  of  de  night." 

The  secret  was  out — Teunis  saw  through  the  whole.  The 
Tories  were  at  the  bottom  of  a  devilish  plot,  stirring  ap  these 
blacks  to  massacre  their  masters,  and  the  reward  was  to  be 
the  spoils.  This  cunning  dog,  remembering  former  times, 
and  having  his  vanity  fed,  was  ready  to  do  whatever  came  to 
his  hand.  He  had  influence  with  others,  and  what  he  lacked 
Dora  made  up.  Laws  had  been  passed  against 


THE  DEPTHS  OF  SATAN.  101 

meeting  by  themselves,  and  many  alarms  had  been  raised  in 
Teunis'  time.  He  had  heard  of  a  great  conspiracy  during 
the  French  war,  when  hundreds  ran  off  to  Canada ;  and 
doubtless  here  was  something  of  the  same  kind.  These 
ignorant  creatures  were  as  likely  to  kill  on  the  one  side  as 
on  the  other.  The  mind  of  Tennis  was  made  up  to  frustrate 
this  bloody  attempt,  and  by  the  way  of  beginning  the  counter 
plot,  he  resolved  to  disturb  the  horrid  assemblage  at  this 
present  time. 

As  he  was  casting  this  about  in  his  mind,  Dora  was  pre- 
paring some  new  cantrap,  aiid  had  cast  fresh  fuel  with  some 
sickening  stuff  into  the  fire,  which  rose  up  to  the  place  where 
Teunis  lay,  making  him  sneeze  so  loud  that  it  must  have  been 
heard,  only  that  they  were  all  sneezing  themselves  in  chorus. 
When  they  became  quiet,  Cuffee  wTas  questioning  the  dwarf 
more  minutely  concerning  his  future  prospects  ;  and  was 
dancing  in  perfect  rapture  at  the  thought  of  having  gold  lace 
at  his  shoulders,  and  a  cocked  hat  on  his  head,  with  a  red  and 
white  feather.  The  answer  to  all  his  demands  came  from 
the  alcove  at  the  far  end  of  the  cave,  where  the  box  with  the 
mysterious  snake  had  been  carefully  deposited.  So  perfect 
were  the  sounds,  that  a  stranger  could  not  help  being  im- 
posed upon.  The  attention  of  the  whole  company  was  thus 
purposely  diverted  away  from  the  doings  of  Dora,  who  was 
engaged  looking  down  to  the  ground,  at  a  place  where  Teu- 
nis remembered  there  was  a  clear  spring.  When  ready,  she 
called  upon  Cuffee,  and  bade  him  look,  and  ask  whatever  he 
pleased.  He  obeyed,  when  a  voice  came  up  out  of  the  water, 
that  made  him  start  back  with  amazement.  She  called  up 
another  of  the  company,  but  prompted  him  to  the  question, 
which  obtained  the  answer  that  the  hunchback  always  gave 
as  out  of  the  spring.  Two  of  these  will  give  the  general 
drift. 

Up  stepped  a  merry-looking  fellow  called  Jerry ;  and  as 
he  bent  over  the  pure  water  hole  that  glittered  in  the  torch 
bght,  he  called  out : 

"What  sail  Juggy  make  Jerry  in  de  great  army?" 

"  Jerry  shall  have  de  care  of  all  de  rurn  in  de  cellar  of  de 
Kin  a:  George ;  and  of  de  pie  and  oJecakes  for  gibing  tc 
oders." 

Nothing  could  please  this  worthy  better  than  this,  as  he 
showed  by  the  width  of  his  mouth  when  he  rose. 

Here  an  old  grey-headed,  merry-looking,  man  knelt  down, 
asking  in  a  laughing  tone  : 


102  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Shall  Caese  hab  a  place  in  de  gran'  army  ?  Moder  Pora, 
bid  Fetish  speak." 

The  answer  came  up :  "  Memby  Caesar  play  'pon  de  sack- 
but  and  harp,  de  psaltery  and  de  organ  of  King  Solomon." 

Caesar  came  away  grumbling  to  himself,  "  Noting  said 
'bout  de  good  fiddle  and  de  bow." 

True  to  their  Ethiopian  nature,  their  blood  began  to  circu- 
late freely,  and  their  bodies  became  restless  for  motion  ; 
Dora,  to  indulge  them,  brought  them  together  in  a  ring, 
which  ran  around  her  and  the  dwarf  in  rapid  motion.  His 
head  rose  and  fell  as  that  of  a  turtle,  when  excited  by  some 
mischievous  boy.  Voices  were  heard  all  around  encouraging 
the  mirth,  as  if  coming  from  the  invisible  world.  A  stroke 
of  humor  came  across  the  mind  of  Teunis  at  this  instant,  and 
in  that  vein,  following  out  his  resolution  of  breaking  up  the 
assemblage,  he  took  his  powder-horn,  which  had  been  filled 
fresh  that  morning,  and  making  an  opening  with  his  knife 
into  the  gin-flask,  that  he  intended  to  have  left  with  Elsie,  but 
which  was  still  nearly  full,  and  putting  the  horn  into  the  gin,  he 
prepared  to  set  fire  to  the  liquor  ;  but  how  was  that  to  effect 
anything  at  the  height  he  stood  above  them  ?  A  lucky  thought 
entered  his  head;  his  stocking  was  worked  with  worsted 
of  the  strong,  firm  kind,  more  like  hempen  string  than  soft 
lamb's  wool ;  the  unravelling  of  one  of  these  from  the  top  was 
but  the  work  of  a  few  minutes,  and  with  the  yarn  he  lowered 
his  vessel,  now  on  fire,  over  the  brink  of  the  precipice.  It 
soon  attracted  the  eyes  of  the  revellers  below  by  its  bright 
blue  flame.  With  the  exception  of  Dora,  all  regarded  the 
new  luminaiy  as  a  part  of  the  ceremony,  and  waited  with 
open  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes  for  the  next  act.  Not  so  the 
prime  mover,  who  became  alarmed  lest  her  own  tricks  had 
called  down  the  wrath  of  a  greater  than  Fetish  ;  and  giving 
a  scream,  too  natural  not  to  be  felt  as  genuine  fear,  all  were 
ready  to  join  in  the  chorus,  when  the  fire  reached  the  pow- 
der just  when  the  flask  touched  the  rock,  on  which  the  mys- 
terious box  stood,  and  the  explosion  came,  calling  forth  echo 
and  reecho  from  the  inner  chambers  of  the  den,  till  it 
seemed  as  if  they  would  never  cease.  The  shrieking  and 
yelling  of  sixty  frightened  wretches  were  not  so  easily  set  at 
rest.  Taking  their  cue  from  their  priestess,  they  ran,  she 
following,  or  rather  leading  them  toward  the  narrow  entrance, 
where  they  leaped  over  each  other  like  cattle  crowding  a 
gateway. 

Teuuis,  in  telling  the  Dominie  afterward  of  the  occurrence, 


THE  DEPTHS  OF  SATAN.  103 

said  that  the  most  amazing  thing  of  the  whole  to  him  was 
the  terror  of  Dora,  after  what  he  heard  her  say,  and  when  he 
saw  the  boldness  of  her  actions. 

"  You  needed  not  that  case  to  explain  to  you  what  you 
have  often  heard  me  say,  that  the  wicked  run  when  no  man 
pursueth ;  and  then  see  how  the  witch  of  Endor  was  more 
afraid  than  any  of  the  company,  when  she  saw  the  doings  of 
the  Lord.  But  tell  us,"  the  Dominie  asked,  "  how  that  imp 
of  Sathanas  behaved.  ?  I  mean  Juggy  the  Hunchback." 

"  He  seemed  the  only  self-possessed  mortal  of  them  all. 
He  danced  and  leaped  frantically,  till  he  spied,  after  the 
smoke  passed  away,  that  the  sacred  chost  was  shattered  into 
a  thousand  pieces,  when  he  immediately,  and  in  haste,  crawled 
on  his  hands  and  knees  around  the  spot,  calling  out  "  Groote 
draak — great  dragon — aude  slang,  old  serpent,  Duivel  en 
Satanas,  I<  etisb-gree-gree  ;"  all  in  Dutch,  English,  and  Afri- 
can mixed  up,  till  at  last,  finding  what  he  wanted,  the  snake, 
he  held  it  in  his  hands,  uttering  some  gibberish  which  he 
intended  for  a  lamentation.  Finding  that  life  was  gone,  and 
that  there  was  nothing  in  the  dead  worm  either  for  his  fear 
or  his  love,  he  threw  it  on  the  ground,  stamping  on  it  with  a 
revengeful  look  and  loud  curses,  ending  the  tragedy  with  a 
fiendish  laugh,  which  I,  out  of  mischief,  returned  in  the  same 
tone.  -It  was  now  that  the  imp  showed  signs  of  fear;  for 
knowing  within  himself  that  this  was  not  his  own  double,  he 
fied  as  fast  as  his  shuffling  feet  would  allow  him,  throwing, 
as  he  passed  the  fire,  a  handful  of  the  stuff  into  it  which  had 
caused  the  green  flame  and  the  pungent  smell  which  had 
made  us  all  sneeze.  I  left  the  mouth  of  the  pit  saying,  I 
believe  this  is  the  devil's  snuff,  and  a  proper  place  it  is  to  ex- 
pect to  get  it,  for  that  is  nothing  else  than  the  bottomless 
pit." 


104  THE   DUTCH    POMINEB. 


CHAPTER    X. 

THE   PERILS   OF   A  PILGRIMAGE. 

"Let  not  a  torrent  of  impetuous  zeal 
Transport  thee  thus  beyond  the  bounds  of  reason; 
True  fortitude  is  seen  in  great  exploits 
That  justice  warrants,  and  that  wisdom  guides; 
All  else  is  towering  frenzy  and  distraction." 

ADDISOS'S  Catc. 

THE  young  Dutchman  reached  home  that  evening  tired, 
and  full  of  a  thousand  reflections  all  new  to  him,  and  he  had 
already  laid  down  a  scheme  for  the  next  day,  which,  like 
many  such  plans,  was  to  be  upset  before  he  fell  asleep. 

He  found  the  main  room  of  the  house  filled  with  men,  and 
all  sitting  in  dense  darkness.  It  was  a  secret  conclave,  such 
as  Tennis  had  witnessed  before,  when  some  event  'of  moment 
was  expected.  The  meu  spoke  in  whispers,  and  had  by  this 
time  nearly  finished  their  discussion,  and  were  about  to  take 
action.  It  appeared,  from  gathered  conversation  afterward, 
that  the  subject  was  of  an  offensive  and  also  of  a  defensive 
character.  The  Dominie,  who  was  of  a  determined  and  hot 
temper  in  political  things,  took  strong  side  against  the  Tories, 
no  matter  whether  they  were  of  the  active  or  of  the  passive 
kind.  He  had  of  late  forced  some  of  his  people  to  show  their 
hands,  and  had  threatened  to  bring  them  all  out.  To  obtain 
ecclesiastical  authority,  and  to  bring  the  recusants  and  the 
lukewarm  to  their  senses,  was  the  object  of  a  journey  he  had 
taken  that  very  day  to  Sopus,  where  he  was  to  meei  his 
brother  Dominies  in  their  classis.  To  get  the  start  of  the 
reverend  man,  and  prevent  his  severe  discipline  on  his  return, 
which  they  of  the  king's  party  were  sure  to  receive  in  its  ut 
most  seveiity,  was  the  intention  of  the  present  gathering 
1  hey  had,  after  many  a  whiif  and  jabber,  fixed  upon  their 
plan,  and  were  waiting  for  volunteers  who  would  carry  it 
into  execution.  As  none  but  the  old  men  were  admitted  into 
the  counsel,  it  was  'difficult  to  see  how  their  meeting  could 
result  in  anything  practically  beneficial.  The  seizing  of  the 
Dominie  himself,  along  with  the  whole  consistory,  was  a  bold 
stroke  fbi  a  few  dull-headed  men.  But  nothing  short  of  this 


THE   PERILS   OF   A   PILGRIMAGE.  105 

was  their  aim,  and  for  this  very  purpose  Brandt  was  called 
east  after  his  raid  upon  Wyoming.  His  scouts  had  given  warn- 
ing of  his  approach,  so  that  "  now  or  never  "  was  the  word. 
The  chance  was  opportune,  and  yet  there  was  a  hesitation 
with  some  on  conscientious  grounds,  and  with  others  on  su- 
perstition. There  was  a  fear  that  the  scheme  would  fall 
through  for  want  of  young  men.  The  leader  in  their  counsel 
saw  the  deficiency,  and  regretting  it,  had,  with  adroitness, 
brought  in  a  fresh  supply  of  the  genuine  Virginia  tobacco, 
lighting  his  own  pipe  first,  so  that  the  nostrils  of  the  com- 
pany were  soon  regaled  and  demanded  another  pipe.  It  was 
while  they  smoked  this,  slowly,  that  several  young  men  came 
in  who  had  been  sent  for  intentionally.  Teunis  entered  along 
with  them,  as  of  right. 

"Tee  zal  never  get  me  nor  myne  sonne  at  trappin  de 
Dominie,  like  as  we  do  de  great  bieren  in  de  pig-pen.  He  is 
de  servant  of  de  Lord  for  gooden." 

"There  now,"  said  Tim  Samp,  "Dick  is  giving  us  the 
Scripture  about  magistrates.  Let  us  have  it  all  through,  and 
then  we  shall  have  the  very  authority  we  want.  Let  every 
soul  be  subject  to  the  higher  " 

"  STo  more  of  dat,  Tim ;  hev  no  I  been  in  de  consistory 
two  yearen,  ende  vas  no  de  Dominie  above  us  alle  ?  ende  vas 
no  ]  higher  dan  de  justice  ?" 

"  But,  Dick,  we  are  all  King  George's  men,  and  we  are 
sworn  to  serve  him  before  saving  the  Dominie,  though  his 
neck  should  stretch  for  it.  He  will  not  save  ours.  My  mind 
is,  send  him  and  his  consistory  off  to  Niagara  by  Brandt, 
where  they  will  learn  him  manners  to  the  king,  and  cool  his 
hot  blood  in  that  big  water." 

"  Our  Dominie  serven  de  Heere  ov  heeven,  ende  nae  man 
may  putten  his  hand  upon  his  skin  buldt  en  dey  touchen 
mynne,  sure  as  my  name  is  Dick  Burget." 

This  unexpected  explosion,  in  one  supposed  to  be  com- 
pletely on  the  true  side,  was  received  in  silence,  and  was 
likely  to  break  up  the  whole  scheme  unless  some  way  could 
be  made  for  getting  old  Dick  removed  aside  till  the  whole 
was  acted  out,  which  would  be  in  a  few  days.  Amidst  the 
thick  smoke  little  knots  were  consulting,  with  their  heads 
turned  in  to  one  another  like  sheep  in  a  hot  day  under  a 
tree,  concerning  the  best  method  of  disposing  of  this  new 
difficulty,  when  the  matter  was  resumed  by  Dick  Burgel- 
again,  who  was  willing  to  sacrifice  every  one  of  the  consistory 
but  the  Dominie.  In  this  he  found  an  ally  in  a  neighbor 

K* 


106  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

whoso  terrors  were  more  from  the  influence  of  priestly  power 
than  enlightened  piety. 

"  I  am  wid  Dick,"  said  Conrad  Post ;  "  for  de  man  wid  dat 
tree-nooked  hat  can  bring  de  tunder  ande  fire  down  on  us." 

"  Yaw,  yaw,  Conrad,"  put  in  Dick  ;  "  here  again  de  Scrip- 
ture zays,  '  op  wien  hij  valt,  dien  zal  hij  vermorzelen.'  "  * 

"  Away  Avith  your  nonsense,"  said  the  man  at  the  head  of 
this  movement,  who  was  losing  all  patience ;  "  do  you  think 
that  if  the  Dominie  were  a  stone,  he  could  fall  on  you  and 
grind  you  to  powder?  He  would  prefer  blowing  you  up.  I 
have  a  plan  that  will  settle  all  trouble.  Let  us  send  Teunis 
Roe  here  oiF  to  Sopus,  and  hear  how  the  Dominie  speaks  in 
the  Classis  about  the  discipline  ;  and  if  his  tone  be  peace  and 
moderation,  I  am  for  saving  his  black  coat,  and  will  stand  by 
Dick  here  to  the  last.  What  say  you  ?" 

To  this  all  agreed  at  once,  and  before  Teunis  had  time  to 
object,  he  was  inducted  into  the  office  of  messenger  or  spy, 
as  friends  or  enemies  might  judge  of  him  and  of  his  actions. 
With  true  Dutch  caution,  the  young  man  went  to  bed  con- 
fused in  mind,  yet  feeling  that  the  sun-light  would  enable  him 
to  determine  his  proper  course,  for  as  yet  he  still  ranked  with 
the  men  who  were  signalling  to  Brandt. 

In  the  morning,  before  sunrise,  his  father  was  at  his  door, 
rousing  him  and  warning  him  of  his  ride.  The  young  man 
himself  felt  the  responsibility  of  the  office  imposed  upon  him, 
and  in  the  wavering  state  of  his  mind,  felt  anything  but  at 
ease  in  the  prospect  of  acting  a  double  part.  He  lay  a  few 
moments  reflecting  on  how  he  should  act,  when  he  remem- 
bered that  Elsie  whispered  in  his  ear  at  parting :  "  Be  sure 
and  tell  the  Dominie  of  the  first  signs  of  danger."  Her  warm 
breath  seemed  yet  to  blow  on  his  cheek,  as  he  leaped  from 
his  couch,  saying,  "  and  now  Providence  has  put  that  in  my 
power." 

When  he  descended  from  the  chamber,  he  found  that  Dora 
had  his  breakfast  laid  out  for  him,  to  which  she  had  added  her 
choicest  dishes.  Evidently  well  pleased  with  something,  her 
elfish  son  was  receiving  tit-bits  aside  at  the  jambs  where 
he  sat,  swelling  up  and  down  as  his  chest  fell  or  expanded. 
Teunis,  rememrjering  the  scene  of  last  evening,  eyed  them 
askance,  wondering  in  himself  whether  they  were  witches 
enough  to  know  the  cause  of  their  late  dispersion.  They 
gave  no  sign,  so  he  concluded  to  watch  the  current  of  events. 

*  "  Upon  whomsoever  it  shall  fall  it  shall  grind  him  to  powder." 


THE   PERILS   OF   A   PILGRIMAGE.  107 

Ebd  horse  was  ready  for  him  at  the  leaping-on-log,  held  by 
his  father,  who  stood  beside  a  stranger,  whose  voice  Tennis 
recognized  to  be  the  same  as  led  the  discussion  of  the  pre- 
vious evening. 

"  You  are  sent,  young  man.  on  this  duty  because  you  can 
be  trusted.  All  the  instructions  you  require  are  to  keep 
yourself  as  much  hidden  from  Dominie  Schuneman  as  you 
can,  and  bring  a  true  report  of  his  sayings  back  with  you. 
Your  reward  is  a  captaincy  in  his  majesty's  service  :  a  pros- 
perous journey." 

The  sun  had  but  streaked  the  hills  of  Connecticut,  and 
the  horseman,  gathering  up  his  bridle,  was  fixing  himself 
firmly  in  the  saddle,  when  his  mother's  voice  called  him  to  a 
corner,  where  she  stood  Aveeping.  From  her  yesterday's 
warning,  he  comprehended  the  nature  of  her  fears;  and 
anticipating  her,  bent  down  his  head,  while  she  kissed  him 
and  blessed  him,  and  he  rode  away  through  the  dim  woods. 
Near  to  him  he  heard  a  voice  that  spoke  in  the  English 
tongue,  in  answer  to  one  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  in 
Dutch.  He  slackened  his  pace  to  listen.  Smiling,  he  soon 
discovered  that  Unga  was  attempting  a  trick  upon  him, 
which  did  not  succeed.  Fairly  on  his  way,  his  good  steed  soon 
carried  him  into  old  Sopus,  where  after  stabling  him,  Tennis 
went  straight  to  the  court-house  door,  where  a  crowd  of  peo- 
ple was  assembled. 

Determined  to  take  no  active  part  hi  anything,  Teunis 
went  among  the  men  with  eyes  and  ears  open.  They  were 
of  the  class  to  which  he  himself  belonged,  and  notwithstanding 
that  Sopus  was  so  near  to  Kaaterskill  Vlatts,  there  were  but 
few  whom  he  knew  intimately,  and  these  were  the  kind  who 
possessed  the  pass-words  and  signs  with  which  he  was  well 
acquainted.  From  even  these,  however,  he  was  resolved  to 
keep  away  at  present. 

A  debate  was  in  progress  to  which  the  new  comer  gave 
heed — the  peculiar  merits  of  several  Dominies.  It  was 
Myer  and  Doll  of  Ulster  against  New  York  and  Jersey,  and 
the  \vorldto  boot — old  Jacobus  Elting,  of  Vlattbush,  on  the 
one  side,  and  on  the  other  a  large  broad  Albanian,  full 
wiggt'd,  dressed  in  smooth  brown  coat,  who  was  boasting 
over  Doctor  Dominie  Westerloo,  the  chief  of  their  Sanhedrim. 

"  No  doubt  of  it,"  was  the  slow  retort  of  the  other,  "  after 
1  he  new  fangled  notions  of  the  day  ;  but  the  man  that  tells 
his  o\vn  consistory  that  their  hearts  are  no  whiter  than  their 
own  niggers,  would  not  be  heard  here  in  Sopus.  You  must 


108  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

be  mean  dwaazan  *  to  stand  that ;  and  then  his  advice  to 
throw  off  all  allegiance  to  the  old  mother  of  Amsterdam." 

"  There  now,  you  have  set  your  tongue  a-going,  and  we 
will  have  the  question  of  the  day  discussed  before  we  go  in 
doors.  Leave  politics  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  let  the 
doctrines  of  the  Kerke  be  attended  to,  so  that  all  be  accord- 
ing to  the  canons."  This  was  spoken  by  a  square-built  man, 
of  sedate  appearance,  whose  presence  was  impressive,  and 
well  placed.  He  continued  to  say  that  "  the  rational  and 
calm  declaration  of  the  altar,  whence  come  the  high  obliga- 
tions of  practical  righteousness,  are  more  acceptable  to  the 
Maker  than  all  the  zeal  and  talk  we  have  sometimes  about 
things  which  human  nature  cannot  stand." 

"  A  wee !  A  wee !"  said  another,  "  to  hear  such  things 
said  by  men  in  the  consistory — human  nature  never  can  stand 
to  hear  the  truth  against  itself." 

"  Never  mind,"  said  Elder  Van  Vleck,  "  after  these  trou- 
bles are  past,  all  these  things  are  to  be  settled  by  the  Domi- 
nies themselves.  Let  us  help  them  through  with  their  quarrel 
this  day,  and  we  will  let  the  next  day  take  care  of  itself. 
There  comes  Colonel  Haasbrouk  and  an  eastern  stranger 
with  him,  if  I  may  judge  from  his  dress." 

"Yes,  judging  from  his  dress;  but  when  did  a  Connec- 
ticut man  step  like  that,  and  keep  his  head  so  firm  on  his 
shoulders  ?  As  I  live,"  said  Jan  Freer,  he  is  as  like  the 
man  that  I  took  up  to  Van  Lueguens  as  any  man  I  have  seen 
since,  and  I  have  had  my  eyes  open  all  the  time." 

"  Nonsense,  Jan,  the  man  coining  is  dressed  in  the  colors 
of  the  Connecticut  Rangers,  and  has  a  commission,  as  you 
may  see  from  his  buttons.  There  he  is  now  handing  his  cre- 
dentials to  the  colonel." 

"  If  I  hear  him  speak  I  can  tell ;  and  it  would  be  a  good 
test  to  put  him  to,  just  to  ask  him  to  count  over  fifteen  and 
saxpence ;  the  dearest  money  ever  I  earned,  since  it  cost  me 
four  weeks  in  the  common  jail  of  Sopus,  for  helping  a  spy. 
The  more  I  look  at  him  the  surer  I  am.  There  he  comes, 
and  good  Santa  Glaus,  I  shall  watch  him  this  day." 

By  this  time,  the  two  new  comers  had  arrived  within  ear- 
shot, and  were  engaged  in  earnest  conversation,  which  waa 
held  loud  enough  for  all  to  hear. 

"I  will  tell  you  this,  Captain  Whittesley,  that  our  minister, 
or  Dominie,  as  we  entitle  him,  is  one  of  the  best  of  men,  and 
the  bravest  of  soldiers." 

*  FooL 


THE   PERILS   OF   A   PILGRIMAGE,  lO'J 

"  Colonel,  in  these  days  the  qualities  you  give  him  are 
possessed  also  by  our  parsons  in  New  England,  bat  it  seems 
to  me  that  the  learning  needed  in  their  holy  calling  cannot  be 
ripe."  This  \vas  evidently  said  more  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  up  the  discourse,  than  out  of  any  wish  for  an  opinion  ; 
for  all  the  time  he  either  listened  or  spoke  himself,  he  was 
glancing  his  sharp  blue  eye  in  all  directions. 

"  I  can  only  speak  for  our  Dominic  Doll,  that  he  has  been 
a  most  faithful  student  in  ancient  universities,  and  that  he 
never  fails  to  speak  like  a  Boanerges.  Lively  in  his  spirits, 
he  is  ever  on  the  stretch  for  new  fields  of  action  ;  and  now 
that  the  wave  of  war  has  reached  its  height,  he  rides  on  it 
as  if'  it  were  his  native  element." 

"  And  I  suppose,"  said  the  captain,  "  like  priest,  like 
people." 

Here  Colonel  Haasbrouk  introduced  his  acquaintance  by 
name,  and  as  one  of  the  aids  of  his  Excellency,  here  on  pub- 
lic business. 

The  discourse  took  a  new  turn.  The  stranger,  who  was 
one  of  those  easy  moving  men,  who  can  turn  the  most  trifling 
matter  into  food  for  discourse,  soon  led  off  by  referring  to 
the  gatherings  he  had  seen  of  the  militia  on  his  way,  and  of 
the  excellent  appearance  they  made. 

*'  Yes,"  said  our  Albany  friend,  "  they  are  good  enough 
for  such  a  place  as  Sopus,  or  for  such  a  county  as  Ulster,  but 
they  cannot  compare  with  our  men,  nor  with  your  men  in 
the  east." 

This  brought,  as  it  it  was  intended,  a  rejoinder  from  one 
of  the  Soposonians,  who  declared  himself  ready  with  "  a  com- 
pany of  Ulster  men  to  do  what  the  Bunker  Hill  men  did  not 
do — keep  the  hill  from  the  redcoats." 

"  Oh,  yes,"  said  the  bantering  Albanian,  "  they  have  hard 
heads,  but  soft  places  in  them,  that  a  ramrod  would  pass 
through,  without  touching  a  letter  of  the  alphabet." 

The  Ulster  member,  somewhat  piqued,  pulled  out  a  roll  on 
which  were  inscribed  the  names  of  a  whole  company,  signed  by 
themselves,  and  handing  it  to  the  man  called  Captain  Whittes- 
ley,  asked  him  to  say  if  "  that  was  the  sign  of  ignorance." 

"  I  declare,"  said  the  stranger,  "  this  is  all  in  good  writing 
of  hand  and  few  proxies.  You  must  draw  back  your  insinu- 
ation, friend,  and  it  is  well.  Their  courage  will  be  tried  if  J 
am  not  mistaken.  These  granaries  placed  here,  in  case  Sclmy- 
lei-  should  be  forced  to  fall  back  to  Wateniiet,  must  be 
greatly  needed." 


110  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

While  tiie  stranger  said  this,  he  looked  full  in  the  face  o1 
Jan  Freer,  so  piercingly  that  that  worthy's  tongue  failed  him 
as  he  was  about  to  ask  him  if  he  was  not  the  man  who  sailed 
up  to  Saugerties  with  him  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  three 
months  since.  But  by  the  time  the  courage  of  Jan  had  re- 
turned, the  conversation  had  taken  an  interesting  turn. 

"  Do  you  apprehend,"  said  Colonel  Haasbrouk,  "  that  the 
enemy  may  pay  us  a  visit  on  his  way  up  ;  I  find  on  iny  dis- 
patches, haste." 

"  There  are  many  rumors  abroad,"  was  the  reply,  given  too 
loosely  for  an  orderly,  "  that  the  enemy  has  several  points 
of  attack  in  his  mind.  The  chief  object  is  to  form  a  junction 
with  the  north  ;  but  General  Vaughan  is  one  of  those  soldiers 
who  love  to  take  responsibility,  and  may  be  tempted  out  of 
his  way  form  the  mere  love  of  adventure.  A  little  sport 
with  him  is  a  great  thing ;  and  as  the  Provincial  Congress 
now  sitting  here  would  afford  him  such  an  opportunity,  it 
seems  unlikely  that  he  could  resist  the  jest.  Do  you  suppose 
that  your  Congress  would  sit  on  were  he  to  land  his  men. 
and  a  couple  of  guns  ?" 

"What  if  he  does  see  them  running  off?  My  men  will  be 
found  here  at  their  post,"  said  the  colonel ;  "  and  we  hope  to 
do  our  duty  as  good  citizens  and  soldiers.  The  country  will 
be  here,  though  Van  Cortlandt  and  his  congress  do  run, 
which  I  am  sure  they  never  will." 

"  Nor  will  the  Classis  run,"  said  an  old  man  in  a  clay- 
colored  coat,  which  had  seen  some  wear  and  tear,  but  was 
still  becoming  to  the  wearer.  "  The  Dominies  will  be  put  to 
their  trumps,  and  I  will  venture  my  word  for  at  least  one- 
half  of  them.  Dominie  Doll  at  the  head  of  the  good  and 
true,  and  there  is  Dominies  Dirck  and  Schuneman,  of  the 
Kaatskills." 

"How  does  it  happen,  my  good  sir,  that  you  have  two 
congresses  sitting  in  this  old  town  of  yours — an  ecclesiastical 
and  a  political?  Surely  you  have  not  thought  on  uniting 
church  and  state,  as  in  the  old  time  ?"  The  New  Englander 
sneered  a  little  as  he  said  these  words,  as  if  he  meant  to  say : 
"  You  are  behind  the  age." 

*'  We  Hollanders,"  said  Haasbrouk,  "  have  skulls  that  are 
not  so  easily  penetrated  as  a  pumpkin" — here  the  colonel 
cast  a  side  glance  at  his  guest — ;'  and  consequently  we  neither 
give  up  our  cherished  notions  so  readily,  nor  receive  new  ones 
so  easily,  as  you  eastern  folks  can." 

"  Ha  1  ha !  excellent,  my  dear  sir  ;  the  inference  yon  draw 


THE    PERILS   OF   A   PILGRIMAGE.  Ill 

then  is,  that  our  Yankee  heads  are  soft.  Ha !  ha !  That  is 
good.  We  are  even.  But  tell  me  what  is  all  this  commotion 
among  your  clergy  ?  In  every  tavern  and  farmer's  kitchen 
I  could  hear  of  nothing  but  the  coetus  and  conferentia. 
Greek  to  me,  indeed.  Are  these  the  passwords  of  a  secret 
society  ?" 

"  The  words  have  a  meaning  to  the  men  who  use  them, 
but,  so  far  as  I  know,  they  who  make  the  most  use  of  them 
are  neither  better  men  nor  better  soldiers.  A  meaningless 
jargon.  I  pray  the  Lord  to  send  us  a  real  enemy,  so 
that  our  pastors  may  become  united  about  something.  If 
Vaughan  does  nothing  else,  he  may  do  that,  and  to  some  pur- 
pose. I  see  that  my  words  are  giving  offence  to  my  friend 
here." 

Things  were  taking  too  warm  a  turn,  when  the  stranger 
adroitly  proposed  judging  for  himself  by  the  assemblies  called 
together.  He  did  this  with  so  much  grace  and  dignity  that 
he  won  the  favorable  opinion  of  all  except  the  cautious  and 
the  experienced  in  men  and  things.  It  was  evident  that  Jan 
Freer  had  not  laid  aside  his  suspicions;  and  notwithstanding 
that  Colonel  Haasbrouk  had  carefully  perused  his  commission, 
a  lurking  doubt  still  lingered  in  his  mind  every  time  he  looked 
at  the  stranger's  face  and  heard  his  voice. 

Strange  as  it  may  sound,  our  young  friend,  Teunis  Roe, 
was  one  of  the  few  who  suspected  the  pretensions  of  the  man 
called  Whittesley ;  standing  back  in  the  crowd,  he  had  time 
to  observe  all  his  motions  and  listen  to  his  voice,  and  though 
the  Kaatsberg  youth  had  not  exchanged  a  word  with  any  one 
there,  he  felt  sure  that  he  had  seen  this  man  before  in  a  dif- 
ferent character  than  he  now  assumed.  His  acquaintance 
with  the  underworkings  of  society  gave  him  opportunities  of 
seeing  much  that  durst  not  be  spoken  on  the  housetops.  The 
man  became  a  new  object  of  interest  to  him,  and  for  the  mo- 
ment he  almost  forgot  the  errand  which  had  brought  him 
hither. 

To  that  he  was  soon  recalled  by  one  of  the  venerable  men 
who  was  there  offering  his  services  to  the  stranger  as  his  guide 
into  the  church  where  the  reverend  pastors  were  to  meet, 
having  adjourned  since  the  last  evening  for  the  purpose  of 
discussing  the  very  point  that  Teunis  was  sent  to  hear  and 
report  upon. 

The  feeling  of  suspicion,  which  was  awakened  in  the  minds 
of  u  few  at  the  first,  fell  upon  a  larger  number  by  degrees, 
until  it  spread  among  the  more  intelligent,  so  that  by  the 


112  THE   DUTCH 

time  the  Classis  met  for  business  there  were  no  lack  of  watch. 
ers  upon  the  stranger's  steps.  His  movements  were  not  the 
least  impeded  by  those  nods  and  winks  which  were  inter- 
changed by  the  company,  but  they  rather  seemed  to  give 
him  dignity  of  look  and  a  defiance  of  danger  which  held 
every  one  in  check.  As  his  eye  ran  over  the  faces  of  the 
crowd,  it  fixed  a  moment  longer  on  Teunis  than  he  was  able 
to  bear  comfortably.  It  was  evident  that,  whoever  he  was,  he 
recognized  in  the  Kaatskillian's  countenance  something  of  an 
interesting  nature  to  him,  which  he  would  have  inquired  after 
in  another  and  quieter  place. 

At  this  time  the  signal  for  meeting  was  given,  and,  wend- 
ing toward  the  temple  of  God,  were  seen  the  venerable 
men,  whose  life  was  one  of  self-denial  and  of  honor.  Their 
steadfast  look  and  stately  stoppings  impressed  the  spectators 
with  awe,  making  even  the  frivolous  Jan  Freer  to  speak 
under  his  breath  as  they  went  past. 

"Now,  Captain  Whittesley,"  said  Elder  Swart,  under 
whose  care  the  stranger  had  been  put,  "  let  us  go,  since  you 
wish  to  compare  our  Dominies  with  yours  in  the  east.  They 
eay  that  you  are  greatly  indebted  to  them  for  that  spirit 
which  the  Yankees  show  in  the  good  cause." 

"  It  is  true,  sir,  that  I  have  heard  many  a  rousing  dis- 
course from  them  upon  the  rights  of  man,  and  the  obligations 
of  kings  being  nursing  fathers  to  the  church  instead  of  dash- 
ing her  children  against  the  stones  ;  but  a  coward  may  be  in 
a  black  coat  as  well  as  a  blue." 

"And  a  hero  in  bands  as  well  as  wearing  a  sash  at  his 
side,"  was  Swart's  quick  retort,  which  brought  the  blood 
slightly  to  the  cheek  of  the  New  Englander,  who  parried  the 
thrust  gracefully  by  saying :  "  It  requires  all  the  manly 
qualities  of  our  common  nature  to  gain  the  crown  of  honor 
or  the  crown  of  glory." 

The  assemblage  soon  dispersed,  and  as  the  form  of  the  last 
Dominie  in  the  procession  disappeared  within  the  church, 
Teunis  determined  to  hear  and  see  all  he  could ;  but  his  first 
object  was  to  obtain  a  private  interview  with  Dominic 
Schuneman,  and  fulfill  his  promise  of  warning. 

Colonel  Haasbrouk  called  an  officer  to  him,  when  he  saw 
no  one  watching  near,  and  said  in  a  low  voice :  "  See  that 
you  folio \v  that  new  comer  everywhere  through  the  wholo 
day,  and  into  every  place.  See  that  he  leaves  not  till  he  has 
my  pass." 

"  Colonel,"  said  the  astonished  officer,  "  he  holds  a  permit 


SAMSON  CARRYING  OFF  THE  GATES  OF  GAZA.     113 

from  head-quarters,  and  how  could  that  have  been  obtained 
unless  he  be  true  and  on  the  right  side  ?" 

"  It  matters  not,"  said  the  colonel ;  "  if  he  has  not  worn  a 
red  coat  in  the  regulars,  I  never  saw  a  man  step  so  like  one 
in  my  life.  Had  he  said,  I  am  a  deserter  and  on  your  side,  I 
could  have  believed  him  sooner  than  his  mimicking  the 
Yankee." 


CHAPTER    XI. 

SAMSON  CARRYING  OFF  THE  GATES  OF  GAZA. 

"  When  pospel  trumpeter,  surrounded 
With  long  eared  rout,  to  battle  sounded, 
And  pulpit,  drum  ecclesiastic, 
Was  beat  with  fist  instead  of  a  stick, 
Then  sir  knight  abandoned  dwelling, 
And  out  he  rode  a  colonelling." 

HCDIBRAB. 

THE  Elder  Swart  was  a  grave  man,  of  homely  presence, 
but  of  more  common  sense  than  first  appearances  indicated. 
He  would  remain  so  silent  and  dull,  when  hearing  an  im- 
portant subject,  at  times,  that  it  was  doubted  whether  he 
understood  any  of  the  questions.  An  hour  afterward  his  ac- 
quaintances, from  his  remarks,  were  surprised  at  the  queries 
he  put.  He  was  a  profound  admirer  of  the  Reformed  Church 
of  Holland.  His  body  expanded  largely  as  he  entered  the 
porch  of  the  holy  building  with  his  new  friend,  looking  first 
with  reverence  on  the  men,  who'  had  already  begun  their 
business  by  an  act  of  devotion,  and  then  on  Whittesley,  en- 
deavoring to  guess  the  effect  which  such  a  sight  might  have 
on  one  of  the  wise  men  of  the  east.  That  singular  man 
.looked  on  all  without  any  apparent  surprise;  indeed,  it 
seemed  to  Swart  that  the  Dominies,  on  looking  toward  the 
pew  where  he  sat,  were  under  some  kind  of  fascination,  as 
they  looked  more  astonished  than  their  new  visitor.  Tennis, 
who  had  taken  a  seat  in  the  next  square  pew  to  the  Elder, 
sat  with  his  back  against  the  captain's,  so  that  he  could  both 
see  and  hear  to  great  advantage  when  he  chose  to  look  in 
that  direction,  or  listen  to  their  words. 

The  Ciassis,  constituted  as  it  was  of  clergymen  and  their 
elders,  who  were  laymen  of  note,  sat  by  a  huge  oak  table, 


114  THK   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

which  served  as  altar,  on  which  now  lay  a  pile  of  papers, 
under  the  care  of  a  secretary.  Above  him,  on  a  raised  seat, 
was  the  president,  robed  in  full  clerical  dress,  with  cloak  and 
bands.  Beside  him  stood  a  large  gold-headed  cane  and  a 
three-cornered  hat,  somewhat  the  worse  for  wear.  He  was  a 
man  of  about  sixty-five  years,  with  a  keen  black  eye,  thai 
moved  in  his  head — which  scarcely  ever  turned — as  if  a  set 
of  spring  nerves  were  secretly  kept  in  use,  now  that  they 
seemed  needed  for  watchfulness  over  the  company  under  him. 
The  others  were  less  prominent  till  they  spoke,  when  they 
stood  as  high  up  in  their  boots,  and  some  of  them  seemed  to 
take  pride  in  looking  as  keen  as  their  leader.  One  of  them, 
on  his  feet,  took  occasion  simply  to  remind  his  reverence  in 
the  chair,  that  "  we  are  all  brethren."  "  Go  on  and  speak 
to  the  question,"  was  the  grave  rejoinder. 

The  Elder  and  the  New  Englander  sat  down  in  a  high, 
square  pew,  which  was  sufficiently  capacious  to  have  held  a 
Dutch  vrow  and  ten  daughters,  all  Dutch  built.  It  was 
covered  over  with  maroon  cloth,  and  studded  round  with 
brass-headed  nails,  which  gave  it  quite  a  golden  appearance. 
The  Plaattekill  man  whispered,  This  is  Captain  Conrad 
Elvendorp's  pew — one  of  the  new  fangled  race  rising  up  in 
Sopus. 

Whittesley's  attention  was  directly  turned  to  the  business 
in  hand,  which  was  evidently  of  an  exciting  character.  The 
speaker  who  was  holding  forth,  was  a  tall,  thin,  pale  man,  of 
a  soft  voice,  which  went  far  into  the  ear,  with  a  nervous 
power  which  made  it  tell  upon  the  feelings  more  than  on  the 
conviction.  He  spoke  in  deep  tones,  which  proved  his 
earnestness,  and  was  more  for  moderation  than  for  extreme 
measures.  "  That's  the  good  Dominie  Dirck  Romeyn,  now 
on  his  feet,"  whispered  the  Elder  Swart.  "  He  is  always  for 
peace,  and  so  far  does  he  carry  his  wish,  that  he  would  sacri- 
fice the  state  for  the  church  any  day  ;  but  his  heart  is  always 
as  clear  as  his  tongue  is  smooth,  and  every  one  loves  him.  I 
wish  that  Dominie  Schuneman  and  he  were  carded  through 
one  another,  then  we  would  have  a  perfect  Dominie,  and  a 
complete  Whig.  When  the  captain  had  got  his  ear  clear  of 
the  Elder's  mouth,  he  heard  the  voice  of  the  speaker,  though 
so  soft  that  it  filled  the  house,  rising  into  warmth,  and  spark- 
ling with  energy,  so  that  even  his  opponents  were  listening 
to  the  easy  flow  with  a  restrained  delight. 

"  In  these  days  of  trial,"  said  the  reverend  speaker,  "  it 
becometh  the  sen-ants  of  the  Lord  to  throw  oil  upon  the 


SAMSON    CARRYING   OFF  THE   GATES   OF   GAZA.  115 

troubled  water,  instead  of  raising  the  tempest  to  hellish  fury. 
This  poor  Reformed  Church  is  at  this  hour  like  the  Ark  of 
Noah,  high  on  the  waters  of  the  deluge ;  and  but  for  the 
strong  arm  of  the  great  pilot,  who  seems  to  be  asleep  in  the 
stern,  we  might  despair ;  but  we  have  a  duty  to  perform  as 
the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  not  as  captains  of  companies, 
going  forth  with  spear  and  buckler  to  fight  in  the  open 
field.  We  have  Joshuas  in  great  number ;  let  us  give  our- 
selves to  prayer  and  the  word,  standing  like  Moses  with  our 
hands  lifted  to  heaven,  and  these  Aarons  and  Hurs  \\ill 
help  us,  if  we  only  keep  our  own  passions  in  due  control, 
being  baptized  by  the  anointing  which  abideth.  Oh  !  my  soul 
is  melted  into  grief  when  I  think  of  how  some  of  my  fellow- 
ambassadors  have  fallen  oft',  who  were  ordained  to  this  good 
work  by  the  laying  on  of  hands  by  the  venerable  fathers  of 
that  ancient  mother  in  Holland,  whom  we  all  love  and  revere. 
Alas  !  alas  !  that  the  day  should  have  arrived,  foretold  by  the 
prophet :  '  I  am  like  a  pelican  in  the  wilderness.'  She  who  has 
fed  her  young  ones  here  with  her  own  blood,  drawn  from  her 
own  breast,  is  now  to  be  disregarded  and  thrust  forever 
aside.  Do  we  not  see  but  too  plainly,  that  these  unhappy 
troubles  are  fast  rending  asunder  the  ties  which  bind  us  to  the 
mother  church.  Under  the  thin  veil  of  patriotism  there  lieth 
too  manifestly  the  canker  of  licentiousness  ;  and  to  the  pleasant 
cry  of  independence  in  the  state,  there  is  added  the  demand 
to  bind  and  loose,  after  our  own  skill,  and  by  our  own  power. 
My  voice  is — '  let  the  potsherds  of  the  earth  strive  with  the 
potsherds  thereof;  but  woe  be  to  the  man  that  striveth  with 
his  Maker.' " 

The  speaker  sat  down  in  great  emotion,  hiding  his  face  in 
his  hands  and  literally  sobbing  aloud.  The  effect  was  visible 
upon  all  the  tender-hearted  ;  and  in  other  times  than  those, 
when  tears  were  of  small  account,  the  eloquence  of  that  man 
would  have  carried  the  day.  But  like  the  few  drops  which 
tiill  just  before  the  wind  changes  from  south  to  north,  theee 
pathetic  symptoms  were  the  turning  of  public  sentiment  on 
that  day. 

"  They  have  been  talking  all  of  yesterday,"  said  Elder 
Sickles,  who  came  into  the  same  pew,  "  but  they  are  now 
beginning  to  warm  up,  and  we  shall  soon  see  the  lightning, 
and  hear  the  loud  thunder,  after  that  shower  of  rain,  with  a  few 
liailstones.  For  Dominie  Frelinghuisen  can  hit  hard  though 
his  words  melt  as  soon  as  they  come  down  to  the  ground." 

"  Yaw  !  he  reminds  me  of  Stephen  Zabriskie,  that  would 


116  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

cut  his  nigger,  Cruse,  till  he  would  bring  the  blood,  and  then 
he  would  cry  at  the  effects  of  his  own  whip-cord.  But  there 
rises  Dominie  Dirck  Romeyn  of  Mombachus.  Hear  him,  but 
first  look  at  him.  How  like  he  is  to  our  dog  Tiger,  when  he 
smells  a  fox,  ready  to  spring  before  he  has  quite  measured  his 
distance." 

The  eyes  of  the  whole  company  were  directed  to  this  per- 
son, who  stood  up  tall,  but  so  eager  to  begin,  that  he  stooped 
forward  like  a  racer  that  has  already  started.  His  face  was 
neither  pale  nor  bilious,  but  seemed  like  one  that  had  just 
risen  from  his  bed  on  an  errand,  which  he  deemed  of  vital 
importance  to  the  cause  he  had  at  heart.  His  hair  was  cut 
short  to  his  head,  and  his  dress,  though  snug,  was  put  on 
after  a  fashion  of  his  own.  He  seemed  nervous,  but  deter- 
mined ;  and  but  for  a  nose  of  great  length,  through  which  he 
blew  off  passion,  as  an  eager  horse  blows  when  restrained  for 
a  few  moments,  he  must  have  fainted  before  he  commenced. 

"  Let  me,"  were  his  first  words,  "  throw  a  bomb-shell  into 
the  enemy's  camp.  We  have  covered  up  the  truth  too 
long,  arid  I  am  for  tearing  off  the  cover  at  once.  Speak  of 
peace  and  quiet  at  this  moment,  when  King  George  and  his 
bull-dogs  are  at  our  gates.  Do  you  not  hear  them  bark  now, 
and  their  teeth  of  iron  which  have  crunched  the  skulls  of 
men,  women  and  children,  gaping  wide  that  our  flesh  may  be 
torn  ?  And  what  do  we  see  but  strong  men  of  God  covered 
with  the  panoply  of  heaven,  crying  like  children  for  their 
dear  absent  mother  over  the  sea,  under  the  name  of  Peace. 
No!  my  voice  is  now  for  war,  and  the  resolution  before  us, 
which  we  are  asked  to  pass  in  favor  of  hot  defence,  and  if 
need  be,  of  hot  pursuit,  even  unto  death,  is  one  that  I  shall 
require  my  consistory  to  pass  as  one  man,  else  we  part  next 
day.  It  is  the  only  way  to  wean  us  from  our  mother's  breast, 
that  we  be  required  as  a  Church,  to  do  what  our  country  has 
done;  live  without  all  help,  advice,  authority  or  counsel  from 
Europe.  Let  those  who  have  been  born  on  that  famous  con- 
tinent, or  those  who  have  drank  of  the  milk  of  Leyden, 
still  snifter  after  the  pap  of  a  Holland  cow  ;  for  my  part  I 
believe  that  the  meadows  of  this  new  world  yield  as  good 
fodder  as  the  bogs  of  those  low  countries.  I  despise  all 
whining  when  we  should  be  fighting,  with  the  sword  bathed 
in  heaven,  where  it  can  only  obtain  the  temper  fit  for  slaying 
the  foes  of  liberty  and  of  religion.  Let  me  warn  my  brethren 
who  vacillate  on  this  good  cause,  under  the  professed  appear- 
ance of  keeping  the  peace,  that  the  people  are  before  them 


SAMSON   CAKKTHSTG   OFF  THE   GATES   OF   GAZA.  117 

and  let  them  neglect  the  opportunity  now  given  of  putting 
their  names  to  this  patriotic  resolution,  and  another  chance 
will  not  be  afforded.  'Like  the  ancient  Sibyl  bringing  her 
books,  the  chances  of  obtaining  them  decrease,  and  thus 
enhance  their  value." 

The  speaker  went  on  in  this  strain  for  a  full  hour,  pouring 
forth  a  torrent  of  eloquence,  which  made  the  coldest-hearted 
rise  to  a  pitch  of  enthusiasm  which  it  would  have  been  dan- 
gerous to  have  impeded,  or  even  turned  aside,  without  using 
the  greatest  wisdom  and  power.  When  he  sat  down,  every 
one  thought  the  question  settled ;  but  the  president,  whose 
strange  black  eyes  had  been  wandering  at  the  beginning  of 
the  last  speech,  became  so  fixed  toward  its  close,  that  it 
seemed  to  all  as  if  two  coals  of  fire  were  glowing  to  a  red 
heat,  and  that  some  secret  bellows  blew  the  fire  into  an 
intense  ardor,  so  that  it  became  impossible  to  gaze  upon 
them.  Quietly  he  gave  a  secret  sign  to  some  one  to  come 
up  to  him,  when  he  moved  out  of  the  chair,  which  was  occu- 
pied by  a  substitute  of  less  dimensions,  but  of  equally  solemn 
gravity. 

"  Now  we  shall  have  the  other  side.  A  sound  man  is 
Domiuie  Rysdick,  but  behind  the  times.  He  would  have 
this  big  continent  bound  by  his  cable  to  a  Dutch  scow." 

"  None  of  your  sly  hits,  Hanchie  Sickles.  You  would  send 
the  world  round  like  a  teetotum,  and  banish  every  good  and 
wholesome  doctrine  for  the  newest  thing,  if  you  only  heard 
it  in  the  English  tongue ;  but  I  should  like  to  know  if  you 
ever  heard  a  good  Dutch  prayer  answered  in  another  speech 
than  Dutch." 

"Oh,  yes!"  said  the  young  Elder  Sickles,  "and  I  have 
seen  a  Dutch  water-finder  get  a  spring  with  English  hazel; 
and  I  have  seen  a  cut  made  with  an  English  knife  healed  by 
keeping  it  warm  behind  a  Dutchman's  fire-place ;  and  a  lame 
horse  cured  by  whispering  '  Indian '  in  his  ear ;  and  old 
Anikja  on  the  hill  can  speak  a  burn  away." 

All  of  this  was  said  with  a  cunning  look,  and  so  sedately 
that  the  Plaattekill  Elder  Swart  did  not  at  first  take  the  drift 
of  it ;  and  before  he  had  gathered  up  the  sense,  Dominie 
Rysdick  had  begun,  in  a  slow,  swinging  way,  with  his  eyes 
half  shut,  and  his  back  half  turned  to  the  audience,  as  if 
entirely  unconscious  of  any  one  being  present.  He  was  like 
a  man  speaking  in  his  sleep;  or  perhaps  more  like  one  tbut 
talks  into  the  next  world,  and  feels  quite  sure  that  he  will  be 
heard  by  those  who  can  understand  and  appreciate  what  he 


118  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

Bays.  When  our  friends  in  the  square  pew  had  time  to  listen, 
they  heard  the  slow,  hesitating  voice  of  the  speaker,  like  the 
rough  rumbling  of  a  stream  when  it  is  diverted  from  its 
course  into  a  mill  race,  as  if  nature  angrily  resisted  the  hand 
of  man. 

"  I  am  forced  to  rise  out  of  my  seat,  where  I  supposed  I 
might  take  my  rest  till  this  question  of  years  had  been  dis- 
posed of;  but  it  seems  that  we  are  on  the  verge  of  destruc- 
tion: there  are  men  who  will  play  with  the  whirlwind.  A 
few  winters  since,  a  reverend  divine,  now  present,  went  up 
the  mountain  there  on  a  journey  of  curiosity.  He  was  not 
satisfied  with  taking  the  plain  road,  but  he  must  strike  out  a 
path  of  his  own ;  and  though  he  went  as  fast  as  any  sober 
man  should  travel,  he  put  himself  in  the  eye  of  the  wind,  so 
that  he  might  have  tlie  pride  of  saying  that  he  rode  upon  a 
whirlwind — that  he  took  it  by  the  forelock.  Alas  for  human 
vanity !  he  was  swept  from  his  feet,  and  obliged  to  lie  prone 
on  the  cold  ground,  or  take  the  chance  of  tumbling  over  the 
precipices  headlong,  as  some  would  now  fall." 

With  this  quiet  hint,  and  telling  hit,  at  the  rashness  of 
those  who  are  not  satisfied  with  taking  the  natural  road  to 
their  end,  he  was  seemingly  about  to  take  his  seat  again,  but 
the  current  of  his  thoughts,  like  the  stream,  had  now  got 
into  the  mill  flume,  and  onward  it  began  to  run.  He  had 
made  a  sensible  hit  at  some  of  the  rash  men  who  were  clear 
for  riding  on  a  fiery  steed  of  war ;  and  while  his  secret  design 
might  be  to  prevent  giving  aid  to  the  friends  of  the  country, 
his  course  showed  a  wish  of  keeping  a  passage  behind  through 
which  he  might  retreat  in  case  of  the  strongest  being  the 
conqueror.  Though  born  in  the  province,  his  honors  had 
all  come  from  abroad,  with  which  he  kept  up  a  close  inter- 
course, and  was  connected  by  marriage  with  some  of  the 
noble  families  of  England.  Withal,  he  was  a  true  lover  of 
his  native  land,  and  conscientiously  believed  that  she  had 
prospered  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  mother  countiy, 
and  would  prosper.  But  since  there  was  no  chance  of  resist- 
ing the  tide  of  public  sentiment  now  set  in,  his  aim  was  to 
turn  the  torrent  aside.  The  little  anecdote  he  told  of  the 
reverend  brother  was  adroitly  put  in,  to  show  the  danger  of 
disturbing  existing  relations  between  the  mother  church  and 
the  colonial  daughter.  The  Dominie  to  whom  he  referred 
was  one  of  the  fiercest  Whigs  of  the  Classis,  and  had  been  an 
open  and  determined  advocate  of  independence  from  Holland. 

All  of  this  was  told  to  the  stranger  in  an  undertone,  so  tbat 


SAMSON   CARRYING   OFF   THE   GATES   OF   GAZA.          i!9 

ne  understood  the  nature  of  the  question,  and  the  character  of 
the  individuals  who  were  debating  it  with  so  much  unction. 

"  You  will  hear  for  yourself  how  Dominie  Schuneman  wrill 
get  out  of  that  when  he  rises.  He  is  a  cunning  man  that  is 
now  speaking,  and  maybe  he  thinks,  now  he  has  got  the  laugh 
upon  the  Whig,  that  he  will  spoil  the  edge  of  his  sword ; 
but  wait  and  hear." 

"I  have  seen,"  said  the  Reverend  Doctor  Rysdick,  continu- 
ing his  harangue,  and  raising  his  voice,  "  that  there  are  some 
men  whose  judgments  are  like  the  eyes  which  are  full  in 
youth,  and  others  whose  judgments  are  like  the  flattened  eye 
of  riper  years.  As  age  advances,  these  change;  youth  takes 
a  narrower  view — age  sees  at  a  distance.  Those  men  who 
look  only  at  the  present,  and  the  nearest  objects,  see  no  dan- 
ger beyond  them.  I  am  old,  and  know  something  of  the  for- 
mer times  which  I  have  seen ;  but  lest  it  be  said  that  I  am 
therefore  all  the  less  able  to  see  the  future,  let  me  declare  that 
faith  in  the  man  of  age  is  the  second-sight  by  which  he  pene- 
trates the  clouds  ;  while  the  young  man  of  fleshly  vision  is  sat- 
isfied with  the  figures  which  play  upon  the  surface,  and  please 
his  fancy.  We  cannot  question,  but  appearances  favor  the 
young  and  the  ardent ;  but  you  know  what  the  master  sayeth : 
*  Oordeelt  niet  naar  het  aanzicn.'  Yes,  judge  righteous  judg- 
ment. Take  in  the  whole  history  of  the  church,  and  of  the 
people  from  whom  we  have  sprung,  and  say  if  it  be  wise  in  us 
to  sever  every  bond,  and  let  ourselves  float  away  into  the  cur- 
rent of  a  noisy  world,  that  would  cry  one  day  Hosanna! 
and  the  next  crucify  him.  We  are  set  for  the  defence  of 
Zion,  not  to  aid  in  the  clamor  of  the  passionate  multitude. 
Are  there  not  a  sufficiency  of  voices  in  the  public  streets  to 
shout  sufficiently  loud  to  wake  the  dead,  but  we  must,  in  the 
midst  of  our  quiet  and  repose,  cause  our  voice  to  be  heard  in 
the  street  ?  Remember  that  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not 
strive :  Niemand  die  in  den  krigj  dient  wordt  ingewikkeld 
in  de  handelingen  des  leeftogts.*  We  are  soldiers,  but  the 
war  we  are  to  wage  is  with  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil.  These  few  sheep  in  this  wide  wilderness  must  not  be 
left  by  me.  I  will  retire  to  my  hillside  and  wrap  my  cloak 
around  me,  waiting  for  the  storm  ;  with  these  old  eyes  look- 
ing through  the  tempest,  and  this  trembling  voice  calling  to 
the  weary  aad  to  the  wandering  while  life  remains;  joyful 
that  the  Chief  Shepherd  who  called  me  to  his  fold  still  is  thb 

*  No  man  that  warrcth  entaugleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of  this  lifo. 


120  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

same  as  he  was  when  first  I  entered  thy  sacred  walls,  O  Ley. 
den !  the  Aima  Mater  of  those  who  have  long  watched  with 
me  here.  Go  away,  my  fellow-shepherds ;  leave  me  alone  in 
tliis  bleak  and  dark  world.  Go,  seek  after  the  novelties  and 
the  carnalities  of  time  and  sense.  Find  the  new  existence 
you  dream  of,  but  let  me  still  have  my  early  loves,  and,  if 
you  will,  my  early  hates.  '  Chose  you  this  day  whom  you 
will  serve,'  but  if  I  forget  thee,  O  Vaderland,  let  my  right 
hand  forget  her  cunning,  and  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof 
of  my  mouth,  if  I  count  not  thee  above  my  chief  joy." 

The  aged  and  venerable  man  sat  down,  far  from  being 
overcome,  but  agitated  as  the  old  tree  that  moves  in  the  wind 
that  rises  with  increasing  force,  making  its  strongest  branches 
wave  aloft,  while  the  trunk  stands  as  firm  as  the  rock  on  High 
Peak.  He  walked  slowly  and  with  dignity  to  his  seat,  which 
was  yielded  up  to  him  by  his  adsessor,  who  was  blowing 
his  nose  to  hide  his  tears  of  admiration  rather  than  of  grief. 

There  was  a  brief  pause  here  which  no  one  seemed  inclined 
to  break  in  upon  immediately.  The  question  was  upon  the 
duty  which  devolved  upon  the  ministry  in  the  present  crisis 
of  the  country,  and  it  came  up  in  the  way  of  resolution,  re- 
commending all  the  Consistories  to  move  in  the  patriotic 
work  of  defending  the  Declaration  of  Independence  with 
their  property  and  lives.  Some,  when  first  urged  to  this 
open  act,  hesitated,  as  we  have  heard,  but  the  popular  feeling 
had  already  gone  far  before  them,  and  there  were  ministers 
who  took  the  van,  willing  to  ride  the  whirlwind,  as  the  lajt 
speaker  had  said,  in  rather  a  sneering  manner,  considering 
his  dignity. 

The  effects  of  the  last  speech  beginning  to  subside,  there 
were  several  who  rose  to  their  feet  at  once,  but  the  Presi- 
dent's eye  rested  on  a  tall  man  of  subdued  look  and  de- 
meanor, whose  age  seemed  to  be  a  few  years  over  thirty, 
though  his  manner  so  grave  and  his  words  so  deliberate, 
were  at  variance  with  his  voice  and  figure,  which  showed  him 
to  be  rather  below  than  above  those  years.  He  was  dressed 
like  the  others  around,  in  clerical  garb ;  but  had  he  been  met 
in  a  log  cabin,  dressed  in  homespun,  cut  and  made  up  by  a 
wandering  tailor,  he  would  have  shown  his  breeding  ;i^  a 
gentleman  and  his  training  to  be  a  scholar.  Perhaps  a  keen 
eye  would  have  discerned  the  theologian  spread  over  all. 

A  slight  buzz  ran  through  the  house  at  the  sight  of  hid 
person,  and  at  the  prospect  of  hearing  him  the  Elder  said  to 
Captain  Whittesley:  "Here  is  a  man  of  some  importance!" 


SAMSON   CAREYESTG   OFF  THE   GATES   OF   GAZA.  1'2"J 

And  accordingly  he  put  his  mouth  to  the  ear  of  his  cicerone, 
and  whispered  :  "  Who  is  that  ?" 

*'  Dominie  Livingstone,"  was  the  short  reply.  "  He  is  now 
living  at  the  Manor  with  Baron  Livingstone.  He  has  been 
forced  to  leave  New  York.  His  church  has  been  turned  into 
a  riding-school  for  the  red-coats,  and  he  has  come  up  to  help 
us  in  this  strait.  Good  man,  he  loves  the  church  and  the 
country,  but  he  is  one  of  the  peaceful  men  who  are  not  wil- 
ling to  fight  unless  we  cannot  help  it.  I  hope  he  will  not  fol- 
low in  the  same  rut  with  old  Dominie  Rysdick.  But  he  be- 
longs to  the  true  Whig  race.  These  Livingstones  are  all  good 
blood.  But  he  has  commenced." 

"  I  desire  the  peace  of  Jerusalem,  and  I  love  them  that  love 
her  peace,"  was  his  opening  sentence ;  and  he  paused  as  if 
engaged  secretly  in  mental  prayer  for  wisdom  to  speak  the 
right  words.  "  You  know  that  I  am  here  an  exile  from  my 
dear  people.  Driven  away  from  my  home,  with  many  who 
love  liberty  more  than  life,  the  place  of  their  birth  is  deserted, 
so  that  with  the  weeping  prophet,  I  may  say  of  New  York : 
'  How  doth  the  city  sit  solitary,  that  was  full  of  people?  how 
is  she  become  as  a  widow,  she  that  was  great  among  the 
nations  and  princess  among  the  provinces?  How  is  she  be- 
come tributary !'  Nor  is  this  the  whole,  Mr.  President,  but 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  where  so  many  songs  of  praise  have 
risen  from  joyful  hearts,  and  prayers  been  uttered  by  the  lips 
of  the  goodly  servants  of  the  Lord,  is  now  a  dunghill ;  a 
place  for  the  swearer  and  the  infidel  to  tread  upon ;  a  scene 
of  revelry  and  riot.  The  enemy  has  made  it  a  place  for  his 
horses  and  his  soldiers  to  exercise  in,  and  we  are  shut  cat  of 
our  holy  house.  '  Alas !  for  the  day !  for  the  day  of  tho  Lord 
is  at  hand,  and  as  a  destruction  from  the  Almighty  shall  it 
come.  Is  not  the  meat  cut  off  before  our  eyes  ?  Yea,  joy 
and  gladness  from  the  house  of  our  God  ?'  " 

The  effect  of  this  exordium  was  evident  upon  all  the 
hearers,  not  even  excepting  the  members  of  the  court,  who, 
from  their  pride  and  staid  dignity,  seemed  unwilling  to  yield 
to  the  pathetic  in  a  day  which  required  sternness ;  but  they 
were  here  overcome  tor  a  few  moments,  while  the  speaker 
paused  to  recover  himself,  which  he  soon  did. 

"Mr.  President,"  continued  he,  "there  are  two  extremes 
in  the  men  of  this  day — those  who  look  entirely  to  the  past, 
and  would  build  on  those  foundations  fabrics  exactly  as  the 
original  buildings  were ;  and  there  are  younger  minds  who 
sry:  'Raze  it!  raze  it!'  and  must  have  new  foundations  and 

ft 


122  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

a  new  dwelling-place.  I  say  let  us  build  the  new  on  the  old 
foundation,  for  the  best  reason  in  the  world,  that  the  old  is 
founded  upon  a  rock,  and  is  to  be  preferred  to  the  sand  " — and 
he  paused,  looking  round — "  to  that  of  Holland  itself.  The 
time  has  come  when  preferences  are  to  be  made,  and  if  the 
wisdom  of  the  present  generation  is  perfect,  then  let  them 
burn  all  the  books  in  Vandalic  rage ;  and  if  the  wisdom  of 
the  former  ages  was  complete,  how  comes  it  that  we  are  re- 
duced to  the  state  we  are  in  this  hour? 

"  Our  church,  like  our  country,  is  an  orphan,  left  of  its 
natural  mother,  Holland,  and  of  its  natural  father,  England, 
so  that  nothing  remains  for  her  now  but  to  say :  '  though  fa- 
ther and  mother  forsake  me  the  Lord  will  take  me  up.'  Nor 
has  she  been  thrown  off  quite  helpless  and  bare  of  all  means ; 
on  the  contrary,  with  a  good  charter  from  heaven — a  good 
catechism  from  Holland — and  a  Avide  country  ail  before  us 
where  to  choose,  there  is  nothing  to  fear  in  looking  forward, 
nor  anything  to  long  for  in  looking  back.  Like  the  tamed 
Eneas,  of  whom  we  read  in  our  dear  old  Leyden,  we  are  sail- 
ing this  day  between  Scylla  and  Charybdis.  On  the  one  side 
I  see  my  venerable  fathers  sailing,  or  wishing  to  take  refuge 
in  the  haven  of  ancient  system,  and  on  the  other,  my  fellow- 
brethren  are  determined  to  launch  away  in  their  individual 
ships,  independent  of  the  admiral.  The  one  will  rot  in  port, 
and  the  other  will  be  swamped  in  breakers.  Hear  my  counsel 
and  sail  between,  and  God  will  bear  you  to  a  fairer  land  than 
the  Great  Trojan.  Fathers,  take  heed  that  you  restrain  not 
the  spirit  of  this  young  church,  feeling  the  impulses  of  a 
generous  pride,  in  being  able  to  live  in  hope  till  better  day& 
arrive;  give  them  the  liberty  of  putting  up  more  sail,  instead 
of  bidding,  or  demanding,  as  you  from  your  age  have  a  right 
to  do,  that  they  should  haul  in  and  cast  anchor,  waiting  lor 
day,  instead  of  putting  out  boldly  to  sea,  which  is  always 
safest  in  a  storm.  And  you,  my  young  and  brave  fellovv- 
sailors,  remember  that  old  heads  on  board,  who  have  wea- 
thered storms  before,  are  not  burdensome  but  safeguards, 
which  we  do  well  not  to  despise." 

With  this  speech  of  moderation,  the  young  doctor  sat 
down,  leaving  the  reverend  body  to  make  the  application — 
not  difficult  to  do,  after  what  had  occupied  the  Classis  all  the 
•  morning.  The  question  really  was,  whether  the  consistories 
of  the  several  churches  should  be  called  upon,  to  take  an 
active  part  in  the  defensive  and  offensive  war,  now  waging, 
in  their  capacity  as  a  church  court.  These  bodies  in  the  old 


SAMSON   CARRYING   OFF   THE   GATES   OF   GAZA.          12«i 

Holland  Church,  a^  in  all  the  Reformed  churches,  still  took 
active  measures  against  criminal  offenders,  and  had  a  power 
of  trial  and  of  punishment,  subject  to  appeal  in  the  higher 
court.  But  the  final  court  to  which  the  American  branch 
was  subject  had  been  Amsterdam,  where  was  now  the  court 
of  appeal.  One  had  been  formed  here,  but  from  the  natural 
prejudices  of  the  old  Dominies,  and  the  present  state  of  the 
country,  it  had  not  yet  got  into  working  order.  The 
machinery  had  indeed  been  imported  and  put  up,  but  it  had 
not  been  tried  ;  nor  were  the  legitimate  engineers  experienced 
men.  The  danger,  therefore,  of  giving  power  to  single 
churches — the  same  power  of  acting  in  cases  which  might  be 
construed  into  offences  demanding  discipline — might  become 
dangerous  precedents,  and  yet  to  forbid  them  at  the  present 
time  might  be  construed  as  treasonable  acts  by  the  Provincial 
Congress.  Here  was  a  dilemma,  to  a  cautious  man,  of  the 
most  puzzling  nature.  The  men  of  Tory  predilections  chose 
one  horn,  and  the  tiery  Whigs  fearlessly  took  the  bull  by  the 
horns,  and  laughed  at  his  stamping  fury.  They  saw  with 
pleasure  that  the  revolution  in  the  State  was  the  sure  deliver- 
ance of  the  church  from  its  ancient  vassalage,  and  so  they 
pushed  the  necessity  of  every  consistory  having  an  ecclesias- 
tical power  over  political  offences,  and  thus  cleansing  the 
camp  of  every  Achan  within  it. 

The  last  speech,  coming  as  it  did  from  Doctor  Livingstone, 
who  had  already  obtained  great  influence  over  the  Colonial 
church,  both  from  his  own  personal  character  for  piety,  learn- 
ing, great  executive  talent,  and  his  connections  with  the 
Whig  family  of  that  name,  as  well  as  for  his  own  banish- 
ment from  New  York,  to  which  he  had  referred,  made  an 
impression  which  was  ominous  of  temporizing  measures,  such 
as  would  have  crippled  the  hands  of  the  ardent  friends  of 
the  country.  For  it  was  well  known  that  many  influential 
families  were  in  constant  communication  with  the  Tories. 
Those  could  be  reached  through  the  church,  when  they  might 
not  be  touched  by  the  magistrates.  At  any  rate,  the  warm 
partisans  were  determined  to  try  this  lever  upon  the  old 
Dutch  bodies  of  rich  Boermen,  such  as  Paulus  Troumpier, 
of  Catsbaan,  and  Johannes  Lasher,  of  Kinderhook ;  ancl 
others  that  could  be  named.  The  disaffection  had  gone 
down  to  the  very  core  of  society,  and  it  was  necessary  that 
it  should  be  traced  throughout,  though  that  should  be  to  the 
splitting  of  the  churches. 

"  Give  the  Consistories  power  to  bring  up  their  neighbors 


124  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

who  differ  from  them  in  matters  of  a  political  kind,  and  what 
shall  wo  see  but  one  setting  himself  to  watch  another,  so 
that  no  one  is  safe  in  his  shoes  ?  Have  we  not  trouble 
enough  in  the  towns  and  in  the  country  without  taking  the 
same  into  our  churches — setting  father  against  the  son,  and 
the  son  against  the  father  ?  No  ;  let  us  have  at  least  one 
peaceful  place,  to  which  we  can  turn  in  these  days  of  turmoil 
and  war.  Let  the  Sabbath  bring  all  our  people  to  one  seat 
on  earth,  as  they  must  all  appear  before  one  Judgment.  To 
their  own  Master  must  each  man  stand  or  fall." 

This  speech  was  uttered  in  great  fury  by  a  high  Conserva- 
tive minister  of  this  conclave,  who  had  stood  out  long  for 
conferring  with  old  Holland  in  all  religious  matters,  and  who, 
from  his  very  stiffness  of  spirit,  thought  it  impossible  for  a 
country  to  exist  as  a  Christian  land  unless  it  had  a  king. 
"The  Israelites  had  a  king,"  said  he,  "and  the  church  was 
now  a  kingdom,  modelled  after  the  plan  of  the  upper  King- 
dom: Take  the  title  of  king  away,  and  you  would  spoil  the 
Book  where  the  Avord  occurs  so  frequently."  Besides  all 
these  reasons,  there  wrere  in  his  own  parish  some  who 
secretly  acted  with  the  king's  men,  and  he  naturally  trembled 
both  for  them  and  for  himself. 

During  the  time  of  this  debate,  the  Elder  Swart  got  so 
much  in  earnest  in  listening,  that  he  entirely  forgot  the  pre- 
sence of  the  man  whom  he  had  taken  under  his  care,  and 
would  have  let  him  slip  through  his  fingers  had  he  been 
Arnold  himself.  Others,  however,  were  not  inattentive  to 
the  motions  of  the  strange  man ;  but  his  whole  conduct  was 
to  them  a  puzzle  which  they  could  not  unravel.  It  was  evi- 
dent that  he  was  not  the  man  he  pretended  to  be ;  and  yet 
the  persons  he  was  holding  communication  with  were  all  of 
the  true  side.  Salutations  were  exchanging  between  him  and 
some  of  the  best  Whigs,  clerical  and  laical ;  and  yet  a  son 
of  restraint  was  on  these,  which  was  felt  more  than  accounted 
for.  One  side  of  his  character  was  decidedly  suspicious—- 
the interest  which  the  blacks  had  in  him,  and  the  whisper- 
ings held  among  themselves  concerning  him.  In  the  nervous 
state  of  some  men  possessed  of  slaves,  the  cause  of  this 
might  have  been  found,  and  there  rested,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  fact  that  one  of  the  most  active  and  turbulent  fellows  of 
his  race  was  seen  to  steal  round  to  the  back  of  the  stranger, 
and  put  something  in  his  hand,  leaving  the  house  with  tho 
same  caution  with  which  he  entered. 

Whittesley,   without   appearing   to  notice   these    things, 


SAMSON  CARRYING  OFF  THE  GATES  OF  GAZA.     125 

inquired  about  a  man  who  rose  at  that  point  in  the  debate, 
which  seemed  to  be  turning  against  the  liberal  side.  The 
person  referred  to  was  a  square-built  man,  of  middle  age  or 
over,  weighed  at  least  two  hundred  pounds,  and  was  more 
remarkable  for  force  than  polish.  He  was  what  the  Dutch 
call  a  magtigen  *  man — strong — strong  in  lungs,  strong  in 
arm,  and  strong  in  character ;  and  withal  full  of  wit ;  one  of 
the  warmest-hearted  souls  in  the  world,  with  the  most  ungra- 
cious mode  of  showing  his  goodness.  When  he  rose  there 
was  a  general  expectation  of  a  scene. 

He  began  with  a  text  from  the  Dutch  Bible,  and  indeed 
throughout  he  made  more  use  of  that  translation  than  he  did 
of  the  English. 

"How  happens  it  that  this  prejudiced  Dutchman  is  on  this 
gide  of  the  question  ?  What's  his  general  character  ?"  asked 
the  mysterious  stranger. 

"This  is  Dominie  Schuneman,  of  the  Kaatskills,"  was  the 
reply  of  the  Elder.  "  A  great  admirer  of  the  Low  Countries, 
and  believes  that  the  model  of  our  new  republic  should  be 
found  there.  In  fact,  he  declares  that  Jefferson  has  copied 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  from  those  United  States 
of  the  Nederlands.  He  prides  himself  on  looking  backward 
and  forward.  Some  one  said  as  much  in  the  presence  of  his 
nigger,  Tom,  who  went  to  the  kitchen,  where  he  was  heard 
laughing  with  the  rest,  and  saying  :  '  D'  real  trut',  massa  hab 
eene  in  de  hole  ob  him's  neck  back  ;  hem  see  bot  ways  ende 
de  all  round.'  But  hark,  the  storm  is  up.  Dominie  Schune- 
man for  ever." 

"Evenwel  het  vaste  fondament  Gods  staat,  hebbende  dit 
zegel :  De  Heere  kent  degened,  die  de  zijiien  zijn,"  were 
the  first  words  distinctly  heard  :  ["  The  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure,  for  the  Lord  knoweth  them  who  are  his," 
was  the  translation  whispered  by  the  Elder.]  "  We  cannot 
know  everything,  though  we  be  Dominies ;  but  we  have, 
from  our  position  in  society,  more  opportunities  of  feeling  the 
public  pulse  in  the  right  place,  than  any  justice  on  the  bench. 
We  must  let  our  lights  shine  so  that  all  may  see  the  men  who 
are  on  the  side  of  their  country  and  of  their  God,"  said  the 
earnest  man,  as  he  looked  round  on  the  lukewarm  and  the 
temporizing.  "This  is  no  time  to  hesitate;  as  that  worthy 
Scotchman,  Wotherspoon,  said  truly,  '  the  pear  is  ripe  and 
rotten,'  and  it  is  too  late  to  speak  of  going  back,  and  I  want 
the  authority  of  this  court  to  call  before  me  the  men  who,  liko 

*  Might.y. 


THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

'the  children  of  Ephraim,  being  armed,  and  carrying  bows, 
turned  back  in  the  day  of  battle.'  We  have  too  many  of  these 
deceitful  friends,  who  come  like  wildcats  round  our  dwellings 
through  the  week,  at  night ;  and  on  the  Sabbath  day  are  found 
purring  softly  in  their  pews.  I  want  the  power  to  say  to 
Monus  Diedricht  or  Bromie  Layman,  seize  them  there,  and  we 
will  try  them  on  the  spot.  If  you  do  not  give  us  this  authority, 
by  the  Lord  we  will  take  it.  You  laughed  incontinently  at 
the  man  who  was  ready  to  ride  the  whirlwind.  The  Reve- 
rend Doctor,  heavier  in  his  jesting  than  Goliah  with  his 
greaves  of  brass,  could  have  told  it  more  to  his  purpose,  had 
he  been  with  this  humble  servant  of  the  Lord  on  that  day, 
when  the  wind  came  like  lightning  through  the  gorge  of  the 
mountain,  carrying  him  forward  as  a  feather  is  tossed  in  the 
gale.  Did  the  man  laughed  at  hesitate  ?  No  ;  but  borne  to  the 
verge  of  the  precipice,  he  seized  the  top  of  a  tall  pine  that  God 
had  planted  for  him  a  hundred  years  before,  where  he  swung 
upon  its  topmost  branches  till  he  recovered  his  balance,  and 
found  time  to  descend,  and  be  sheltered  under  the  shadow 
of  the  great  rock.  The  same  man  stands  before  you  ready 
to  engage  in  a  more  perilous  strife ;  to  mount  the  wildest 
horse  that  war  can  produce,  and  be  in  the  van  of  the  flying 
cavalry.  Who  among  you  are  willing  to  lead  or  follow  ? 
Who  shall  go  up  to  Ramoth  Gilead  to  battle  ?  Cowards  are 
next  to  traitors,  and  when  the  Lord's  will  is  not  followed 
out,  Israel  shall  be  smitten  before  the  men  of  Ai." 

During  the  time  of  this  fierce  call,  the  back  of  the  orator 
had  been  toward  the  place  where  Elder  Ssvart  and  his  com- 
panion sat ;  but  in  the  course  of  his  gesticulations  he  turned, 
when  his  eye  rested  a  moment  on  Whittesley's  face,  which 
seemed  to  operate  as  a  new  impulse  to  his  already  highly  ex- 
cited spirit  and  manner.  The  strange  captain  gave  a  sign 
which  was  understood  by  the  enraptured  man,  for  lifting  his 
voice  higher  than  ever,  he  called : 

"  Hearken,  O  men  of  God,  to  the  sounds  Avhich  the  demons 
are  already  making  on  the  sides  of  the  mountains.  I  hear 
even  now  the  war-whoop  of  the  savages,  within  sight  of  my 
people.  My  own  Mary  is  calling  upon  our  little  ones  to 
come  and  hide  themselves  away.  She  sees  the  traitors  around, 
skulking,  and  rubbing  their  hands,  saying,  '  Our  day  has 
come ;'  and  here  I  am,  begging  the  privilege  of  defending 
our  hearths  against  the  nien  in  league  with  Brnndt  and 
Butler.  The  messenger  who  has  brought  me  the  report  is 
uow  in  our  midst.  To  your  tents,  O  Israel !" 


THE  BRAVE  BUT  BLOODY  BRANDT.         12? 

The  effect  of  this  speech  on  the  whole  congregation  was 
electrical,  and  moved  the  most  phlegmatic  Dutchman  present, 
BO  that  it  would  have  been  dangerous  for  any  one  to  attempt 
resisting  the  influence.  Persons  had  been  seen  during  the 
sederunt,  coming  in  and  putting  missives  into  the  hand  of 
the  speaker,  which  now  were  understood  to  be  reports  from 
the  upper  country ;  and  as  usual  when  a  company  of  men  rise 
into  an  excited  state,  the  call  made  to  their  patriotism,  as  well 
as  to  their  personal  fears,  roused  them  to  enthusiasm.  All  rose 
to  their  feet ;  the  president  was  the  last  up,-but  as  if  the  truth 
had  at  length  penetrated  his  skull,  he  lifted  his  hands,  pro- 
nouncing the  apostolic  benediction  in  a  slow,  solemn  voice, 
every  syllable  of  which  was  heard  throughout  the  house, 
when  all  left  the  place. 

"  Let  us  go  and  visit  the  other  house,"  whispered  the 
strange  captain. 

"  You  mean  the  Provincial  Congress  ?"  said  the  Elder. 

An  inclination  of  the  head  was  all  the  answer,  and  the 
two  went  out  together  to  the  Court  House,  where  that  body 
were  then  met. 

Our  Kaatsberg  messenger  had  become  so  absorbed  in 
mind,  while  seeing  and  hearing,  that  he  forgot  his  intention 
of  obtaining  a  private  word  with  his  own  Dominie  Schune- 
man,  so  that  by  the  time  he  recovered  from  his  surprise  that 
worthy  was  gone,  and  already  far  on  his  way  homeward. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

THE  BRAVE  BUT  BLOODY  BRANDT. 

•'  Hercules  had  tried  his  strength  on  Anta-os  often  without  success,  till  at  last  he  saw 
that  frequently,  as  his  enemy  was  thrown  upon  his  mother  earth,  she  threw  him  back 
again  ;  the  bero  at  last  lifted  him  up  in  his  mighty  arms,  and  squeezed  him  till  he  breathed 
hii  last  breath."— GKLCUN  MYTHOLOGY. 

DOMINIE  SCHUNEMAN  found  his  horse  ready  for  him  at 
the  church  door.  The  means  of  return  had  been  provided 
during  the  last  hour  by  Dominie  Doll,  whose  horse  was  fur- 
nished to  Tom,  the  Kaatskill  pastor's  man,  so  that  he  might 
go  back  with  his  master  at  full  speed,  while  at  the  same 
time  the  favorite  nag  of  Sopus  might  be  out  of  harm's  way 
in  case  any  attack  should  be  made  upon  the  village,  a?  rumor 
went,  and  as  the  importance  of  the  place  invited. 


128  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

Off  minister  and  man  flew  at  full  speed,  only  pausing  at 
every  second  mile,  that  the  animals  might  take  breath,  when 
Tom  was  plied  with  more  questions  than  it  would  have  taken 
a  day  to  answer  in  a  calm  time. 

"Tom,  was  the  teeken  vuur  blazing  last  night  on  Round 
T\>p  ?  Did  you  take  in  the  Van  Bergen  apples,  and  put 
the  others  into  the  cider  press  ?  We  must  have  our  cider- 
brandy  made  when  we  go  back.  Has  Captain  Van  Vechten 
called  out  the  sodgers?" 

The  last  question  was  the  one  that  touched  Tom's  fancy 
with  most  vividness,  for  he  answered  at  once :  "  Yaw,  yaw, 
massa ;  dere  vere  tree  vistlqs  an  a  trum,  ende  dey  made  sound 
like  de  saltery  of  de  King  Jew's  harp." 

"  King  David,  you  mean,  you  blockhead.  How  often  have 
I  told  the  people  about  the  kind  of  music  they  had  in  old 
times,  and  tried  to  show  you  the  way  they  held  their  instru- 
ments ;  but  it  is  all  one,  blunder  after  blunder." 

"  Lorra  !  Massa  don't  mean  that  Tom  know  no  more  den  te 
men  who  never  crossed  the  big  water  like  massa  sell'." 

It  was  one  of  the  Dominie's  favorite  boasts  that  he  had  been 
to  Holland  as  well  as  the  best  of  them,  and  knew  something. 
Tom  used  to  say  the  same  thing,  only  he  put  the  name  of 
Guinea  always  in.  He  considered  himself  a  travelled  gentle- 
man of  color,  and  as  holding  a  place  among  his  own  class 
equal  to  that  which  the  Dominie  held  among  his  brethren. 

The  spur  was  again  at  play,  and  away  the  two  went  at  full 
speed,  Tom  keeping  his  horse,  as  in  duty  bound,  one  length 
behind  his  master ;  for  the  animal  he  rode  was  not  equal  to 
the  other,  but  he  was  the  lighter  in  weight  and  the  best  rider 
of  the  tAvo.  The  usual  visits  which  were  paid  at  other  times 
to  the  dwellers  in  Vlatt  Bush  and  Catsbaau  were  dispensed 
with  on  that  day,  though  the  memory  of  the  good  horse  every 
now  and  again  prompted  him  to  turn  into  the  different  barn- 
yards where  he  had  tasted  the  good  fodder  of  the  landlord. 
A  dig  with  the  Dominie's  heel  was  all  the  answer  given,  and 
if  the  creature  had  any  mental  feeling  at  all,  it  must  have 
been  surprised  at  the  unusual  self-denial  of  his  rider,  who 
loved  his  friends  so  well  that  he  never  passed  their  door,  nor 
suffered  one  of  them  to  pass  his,  without  tasting  the  cup  of 
kindness  in  cider  or  good  Santa  Crux,  while  the  faithful  steed 
ate  his  corn. 

But  this  was  no  time  for  palavering,  and  on  the  two  riders 
rattled,  bringing  to  their  doors  the  inhabitants,  black  and 
white,  wondering  at  the  haste  of  the  Kaatskill  Dominic,  who 


\flE   BRAVE   BUT   BLOODY   BRANDT.  129 

was  always  a  welcome  visitor  to  the  master,  while  Tom  was 
even  more  welcome  to  the  servants.  It  was  sorely  against 
the  grain  for  the  latter  personage  to  pass  by  the  house  of  old 
Bennie  Languendyck,  where  a  lively  wench  lived  for  whom 
Tom  had  a  sneaking  liking,  and  within  a  mile  of  the  house 
he  made  up  his  mind  to  stop  at  all  hazards.  How  this  was 
to  be  accomplished  was  the  problem  he  set  himself  about  to 
solve.  He  trusted  to  his  luck,  which  meant  in  his  case  the 
effect  of  a  certain  charm  which  he  tried  at  such  times.  He  had 
learned  a  Dutch  rhyme,  which  sounded  like  a  psalm  to  his 
ear,  and  in  some  way  he  supposed  there  was  virtue  in  it.  If 
it  failed,  he  had  bad  luck ;  sometimes  he  succeeded,  and  then 
he  had  good  luck.  Tom  said  his  say,  and  then,  like  wiser 
folks,  he  set  about  accomplishing  his  wish.  He  loosened  his 
saddle-girth  as  the  first  thing  to  be  done,  and  giving  his 
master's  horse  a  sly  prick  in  the  rump,  the  two  started  away 
at  double  speed,  when  just  as  they  were  close  by  the  garden 
fence  of  his  desired  place  he  slipped  down,  saddle  and  all,  aa 
if  he  had  faUen,  while  his  horse  bounded  forward,  taking  for 
the  barn-yard  as  a  matter  of  course,  into  which  the  Dominie, 
horse  and  all,  followed  as  straight  as  an  arrow. 

All  that  Tom  wanted  was  gained.  He  wanted  his  supper, 
and  he  did  not  care  for  any  other  wench  preparing  it  but 
Flora;  and  this  was  sure  to  be  done.  So,  coming  in  limping, 
and  holding  his  hand  on  his  hip,  at  the  same  time  making  so 
many  wry  faces  that  it  was  difficult  to  restrain  laughter, 
though  all  thought  he  was  seriously  hurt ;  and,  indeed,  he  had 
not  escaped  without  a  few  bruises  more  than  he  had  calculated 
upon.  Of  course  ah1  was  laid  to  the  loosening  of  the  girths, 
and  he  chuckled  within  himself  at  the  trick.  Once  off  the 
horse,  the  Dominie  was  easily  persuaded  to  let  his  friend  lead 
the  animal  to  the  stable  and  himself  into  the  ample  parlor, 
wHere  the  best  in  the  house  always  waited  for  him.  This  was 
not  his  own  parish,  but  he  was  as  well  known  here  as  at 
home,  and  loved  the  people  nearly  as  well.  Bennie  Languen- 
dyck was  one  of  the  regular  descendants  of  the  Huguenots, 
full  of  piety  and  good  will,  which  were  written  on  his  face 
by  the  finger  of  God,  and  could  not  be  misunderstood.  His 
feelings  were  all,  next  to  his  God,  for  his  country,  and  just  as 
soon  as  there  could  be  a  quiet  moment  he  began  to  make  in- 
quiries after  the  matters  of  the  church,  which  were  so  inter- 
twined with  the  affairs  of  the  state  that  in  speaking  of  the 
one  they  fell  into  the  other.  Bennie  had  a  great  deal  to 
learn,  and  some  things  he  could  tell.  The  Dominie  was  the 

6* 


130  TUB   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

very  man  he  wanted  most  of  all  to  see  at  that  hour.  He  La<3 
a  reverence  for  his  learning,  his  office  and  his  piety,  wluch 
made  him  humble  and  glad  at  the  same  time,  which  the  good 
man  was  the  last  in  the  world  to  take  advantage  of,  though, 
to  tell  the  truth,  a  stranger  would  not  have  believed  so  of 
him,  judging  from  his  gruffness  and  decision.  These  ti  aits 
were  the  results  of  his  intercourse  with  slaves  and  inferior 
men,  whom  he  thought  were  more  impressed  in  that  way 
than  by  a  milder  manner.  But  all  knew  him  to  be  one  of  the 
warmest-hearted  men  in  the  world,  and  they  loved  him  as 
much  as  they  feared  him. 

"Te  Dominie  het  been  to  tend  Classis,  and  can  tell  vot  vas 
done  to  de  Tories,"  said  Bennie,  in  a  half  inquiring  strain. 

"Yaw,  and  a  set  of  Tories  some  of  them  are,  who  were 
there,  afraid  of  their  own  shadow  or  else  of  their  own  ease. 
They  stand  in  fear  of  man.  We  have  Ahitophels  in  the  camp, 
and  in  the  court  of  the  Lord.  But,  Bennie,  mark  Dominie 
Schuneman's  words,  he  will  root  out  the  Tories  from  the 
Hilderburgs  to  the  Kaatskills,  if  there  be  power  in  his  Con- 
sistory." 

"  Glad  am  I  dat  dere  is  one  Dominie  villing  to  do  his  duty, 
ende  much  need  is  there  of  power  and  skill  to  do  all  dis.  Has 
de  Dominie  heard  " — and  the  old  Dutchman,  lowering  his  voice 
to  a  whisper,  looked  round  the  room  as  if  afraid  of  an  enemy 
in  his  own  house — "  has  de  Dominie  heard  of  de  rising  to  be 
among  de  placks  ?" 

"  Rising  among  the  blacks !"  repeated  the  confounded 
minister,  as  he  rose  up  from  his  seat,  looking  around  the 
room  in  his  turn.  "  Who  said  the  blacks  were  going  to  rise 
at  this  time  ?  That  would  be  the  Gibeonites  turning  trai- 
tors, after  we  have  nursed  them  in  the  very  bosom  of  our 
families,  giving  us  over  into  the  hands  of  the  Amorites. 
Speak,  Bennie,  and  tell  me  all  about  it,  for  am  not  I  a  father, 
a  Dominie,  and  a  master  myself.  I  will  pursue,  I  will  overtake, 
I  will  divide  the  spoil ;  speak,  I  tell  you." 

"Dere  is  no  need  of  haste,  before  de  avondmaal*  pe  ready. 
5c  ou  kenne  vat  ve  say,  '  empty  stalls  make  biting  horses,'  encle 
dere  corm*  Flora  to  bid  us  set  too." 

She  was  a  young  jet  black  damsel,  of  about  twenty  years  of 
age,  and  was  also  one  of  the  original  Africans,  imported  in 
large  numbers  before  the  Revolution  ;  some  of  them  direct 
from  their  native  country,  and  others  brought  fr'ym  the  islands 

*  Supper. 


THE  BRAVE  BUT  BLOODY  BRANDT.          131 

of  the  "West  Indies,  in  -return  for  trade.  Flora  was  a  supe- 
rior wench,  had  been  apt  to  learn  the  manners  and  the 
language  of  her  master,  and  had  become  a  favorite  with  all ; 
so  much  so,  that  she  had  an  influence  beyond  her  place. 

"  Ha !  Flora,  are  you  there,  with  your  white  teeth  and  grey 
ecne?"  said  the  Dominie.  "  I  wonder  who  is  to  carry  you  off 
from  old  Bennie.  Are  Tom  and  you  not  going  to  make  it 
up  ?  I  guess  now  the  reason  why  his  saddle-girths  gave 
way.  Come,  see  if  you  cannot  make  it  up  ;  and  then  we 
shall  see  what  we  can  bargain  for  ;  I  cannot  part  with  Tom, 
so  you  most  come  to  the  parsonage." 

Flora,  who  was  waiting  her  chance,  pretending  to  place 
the  dishes  till  this  speech  was  over,  gave  a  sly  look  up,  say- 
ing as  she  went  toward  the  door,  "Dese  be  no  dimes  ior 
marrying  and  gibing  in  marriage." 

"  She  is  a  smart  wench,  Bennie,  and  if  Tom  and  her  can 
draw  up,  I  would  be  willing  to  hand  you  over  two  hundred 
pounds  for  her." 

"  We  will  speak  of  dat  again,  Dominie ;  say  away,"  and 
the  grace  was  asked  with  reverend  deportment.  The  meal 
wras  excellent.  The  earnest  minister  had  been  so  engaged 
since  the  morning,  that  he  actually  was  not  hungry  till  he  sat 
down  and  smelt  the  dish  of  new  chickens,  and  saw  the 
white  bread  made  of  new  wheat  flower,  with  vegetables  in 
abundance.  The  victuals  now  began  to  disappear  and  there 
was  a  lull.  The  good  vrow  slily  poured  out  irom  a  beautiful 
china  tea-pot,  into  cups  of  the  same  kind,  the  rare  beverage, 
tea,  while  the  old  man,  from  a  black,  square  bottle,  which  ho 
had  hidden  till  now,  tilled  a  crystal  goblet,  placing  it  on  the 
opposite  side  from  where  the  wife's  tea  was  put.  The  Dominie 
looking  from  one  side  to  the  other,  gave  one  of  his  hearty 
laughs,  and  tasting  first  the  one  and  then  the  other,  he 
said : 

"  Ha !  we  have  found  out  the  thief  that  broke  into  the 
storehouse  at  Sopus.  Well,  you  are  more  deserving  of  grace 
than  King  George,  and  I  will  not  tell.  But,  Bennie,  was 
not  that  a  sly  tiling  of  these  mauraders  to  get  in,  and  the 
sentinel  walking  before  the  door  with  fixed  bayonet  ?" 

"  Nay,  nay,  Dominie ;  dem  dat  hides  kenne  vere  to  seek 
Ticklish  times  raises  up  ticklish  men.  Have  you  said  yet 
vot  the  Consistories  are  to  do  wid  de  Tories  ?" 

"  I  am  going  home,"  said  the  Dominie,  "  to  summon  everj 
Tory  in  the  parish  before  us,  and  forbid  every  one  of  them 
from  taking  sacrament,  and  then  hand  them  over  tc  the  com 


132  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

mittee  for  punishment ;  I  shall  spare  not  one  of  them.  ] 
will,"  and  with  that  he  lifted  his  great  hand  in  the  same  way 
as  he  would  take  his  oath,  "  I  will  not  spare  my  own  brother 
if  he  stands  in  the  way  of  the  country  and  her  cause." 

Just  at  this  moment  a  young  man  entered,  the  son  of  Beri- 
nie  Languendyck,  with  evident  alarm  upon  his  face,  and  said 
he  wished  to  tell  what  he  had  just  heard.  After  some  length 
of  preface,  it  came  to  this — that  a  report  had  been  spread 
about  of  the  negroes  rising,  and  as  he  knew  that  Flora  arid 
Tom  were  in  the  secret,  if  there  was  anything  in  it,  he  had 
stowed  himself  away,  so  that  he  could  hear  their  conver- 
sation. 

"Well,  what  did  Tom  say?"  was  the  Dominie's  quick 
demand. 

"  What  did  Flora  say?"  was  the  demand  of  the  master  of 
the  house. 

"  Give  me  time,"  said  the  youth.  "  Tom  was  making  love 
to  Flora,  and  she  was  making  it  a  condition  that  he  should 
join  the  black  regiment  they  are  going  to  raise  on  King 
George's  side.  She  says  she  will  get  him  made  a  captain.  Tom 
says  he  will  think  of  it  till  the  day  after  to-morrow,  when  he 
will  come  down  and  tell  her.  But  Flora,  who  seems  to  know 
a  good  deal  more  than  she  lets  out,  says  the  Indians  are  com- 
ing down  to  take  the  Dominie  off  to  Niagara  to-night,  and 
she  is  warning  Tom  against  being  in  the  way,  lest  he  be  shot 
and  his  scalp  taken." 

"  The  duivel !"  was  the  first  words  of  the  Dominie ;  and 
then,  correcting  himself,  he  said :  "  God  knows  what  will  be 
the  end  of  all  this,  but  I  must  face  the  evil  and  prepare 
against  it.  It  is  according  to  the  information  which  Tom 
himself  brought :  Brandt  is  on  the  mountain,  and  I  shall  be 
his  first  mark.  But  we  shall  see  when  it  comes.  I  must  go 
and  meet  the  Consistory  at  the  Baackouter,  on  my  way  home. 
There  we  can  plan.  Take  you  care  of  that  wench,  Flora,  and 
1  will  watch  Tom.  A  man's  foes  are  those  of  his  own  house- 
hold. Peace  be  with  you." 

The  minister  and  his  man  were  soon  at  full  speed  again. 
Tom  had  not  a  single  pain,  nor  a  wish  except  to  get  to  the 
stable  and  tell  what  he  had  seen  to  his  near  associates.  He 
was  not  ignorant  of  the  purposed  uprising,  but,  possessed  of 
more  wit  and  cunning  than  the  majority,  he  had  heard  all, 
but  committed  himself  to  nothing.  He  even  pretended  to 
Flora  that  she  was  the  first  to  tell  him.  He  was  full  of  his 
own  thoughts,  and  rode  further  behind  his  master  than  usual. 


THE   BRAVE   BUT   BLOODY   BKANDT.  133 

jg  il  to  avoid  being  questioned  on  the  state  of  things.  The 
master's  mind  was  as  full  of  thought  as  the  servant's,  so  that 
scarcely  a  word  passed  till  they  came  near  to  the  ford  that 
allowed  them  to  cross  the  Kauterskill  Creek,  which  at  that 
time  was  swollen,  it  being  after  a  heavy  rain.  As  they  both 
mounted  up  the  bank,  the  hind  feet  of  the  Dominie's  horse 
slid  back,  which  nearly  unseated  the  rider,  just  as  Tom  came 
up  in  time  to  give  his  master  a  helping  hand,  keeping  him  on 
the  saddle. 

"  That  was  well  done,  Tom :  you  might  have  pulled  the 
other  way,  and  got  me  out  of  the  road,  sending  me  down 
stream." 

"  Lor'  forbid,  massa !"  was  the  first  impulsive  cry  of  the 
slave.  "  Tom  knows  better  who  feeds  him  than  touch  a  hair 
of  massa's  head  at  any  time." 

"  Oh,  I  did  not  mean  you  to  take  it  so  much  in  earnest  as 
that.  One  might  suppose,  from  your  speaking  so,  that  you  had 
been  told  to  do  it ;"  and  here  he  looked  in  the  negro's  face. 

But  Tom  had  recovered  himself,  and  smiling  said :  "  Lor', 
massa,  you  look  so,  and  talk  so  like  red  rooster  when  afraid 
of  de  black  cock." 

This  was  touching  the  Dominie  in  his  weakest  place,  for 
fear  was  that  which  he  never  knew,  and  to  speak  of  it  when 
there  was  actual  danger  was  likely  to  make  him  angry. 

"  Afraid,  you  scoundrel !  who  is  afraid  ?  Afraid  of  what  ? 
of  Brandt,  or  of  a  whole  black  regiment  with  a  Tom  captain 
at  their  head.  All  that  I  need  to  do  is  to  lift  my  whip,  and 
they  will  run." 

By  this  time  he  was  holding  his  raw-hide  over  the  nose  of 
Tom,  who  stood  aghast,  not  so  much  at  the  threatening,  as 
at  the  words  "black  regiment,"  which  had  incautiously  in  his 
passion  passed  the  lips  of  the  master.  He  had  intended  to 
keep  that  secret  to  himself  till  the  time  of  revealing  was  pro- 
perly come ;  and,  feeling  the  prompting  of  his  anger  power- 
fully within  him,  he  wheeled  round  and  rode  off,  nor  did  he 
stop  till  he  was  before  the  door  of  Monus  Diedricht  on  the 
Baackouter,  where  he  had  appointed  a  meeting  for  catechizing 
the  children,  and  with  the  members  of  his  Consistory.  He 
found  that  all  were  met,  so  that  with  his  accustomed  dili- 
gence, and  as  if  he  had  been  in  his  study  all  day,  he  pro- 
ceeded with  his  religious  duties,  the  same  as  in  a  time  of  peace. 

An  hour  being  occupied  with  devotional  duties,  Le  called 
his  counsellors  together,  who  were  grave  men  and  well  tried. 
Ah1  were  present  but  one,  Martin  Schuyler,  and  it  was 


134  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

agreed  that  something  of  great  importance  must  ha  re  kept 
him  at  home. 

"  You  see,  Dominie,  that  the  teeken  vuur  above  his  house 
was  to  be  the  signal-fire  for  all  the  rest  on  the  Cauliberg,  and 
sure  enough  it  did  blaze  out  from  the  Hoogenhuisen  in  a  full 
glow,  and  that  was  enough  to  keep  him." 

"True;  but  he  would  have  been  here  or  sent  word,  unless 
eomething  else  kept  him.  I  am  afraid  that  the  Indians  have 
taken  hold  of  him  on  the  way  down.  Rumors  have  been  rife 
all  day  from  our  scouts,  but  nothing  definite  yet,  though  we 
are  expecting  the  news  every  moment." 

This  was  said  by  one  of  the  men  of  mark  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, who  was  requested  to  remain  and  tell  what  he  knew 
of  the  state  of  aifairs.  His  account  was  gloomy  enough.  All 
day  the  Tories  had  been  observed  passing  in  and  out  of  the 
woods  at  well  known  places,  where  it  was  too  likely  some 
secret  plans  were  perfecting.  No  one  could  be  found  bold 
enough  to  venture  near  the  centre  of  the  woods,  which  lay 
between  the  mountain  and  the  king's  road ;  and  the  most 
they  could  judge  by  was  the  smoke  which  lay  there  in  the 
morning,  showing  that  fire  had  been  kept  burning  through 
the  night.  Through  some  secret  source,  which  no  one  could 
trace,  a  report  had  come  down  toward  evening  of  the  Tories' 
intention  being  to  join  that  night  and  attack  the  Dominie's 
house.  To  meet  this,  a  company  of  men  had  gone  over  there 
about  an  hour  ago. 

"  Thank  you,  friends,  for  that ;  but  what  will  the  '  Yfvrow  do 
without  my  help  ?  I  must  go  as  soon  as  we  get  through  here." 

All  gave  a  sly  smile  at  the  Dominie's  fear  about  the 
'Yfvrow,  Avho  was  well  known  as  the  ruler  of  that  domicile, 
and  needed  less  of  his  help  than  he  required  of  hers  ;  still,  he 
always  believed  himself  to  have  the  mastery,  which  he  had 
in  all  othei  parts  of  his  parish,  except  in  the  parsonage. 

"  Let  us  proceed  to  business ;"  and  the  usual  formalities 
were  gone  through,  of  a,  devotional  cast.  Afterward  the 
President  stated  the  order  he  was  determined  to  pursue  in 
all  treasonable  cases.  Debar  them  he  would  from  the  sacra- 
mental table,  and  if  they  did  not  repent,  hand  them  over  to 
the  civil  law.  To  all  of  this  not  a  word  of  opposition  was 
offered,  except  by  Elder  Abiel,  who  was  a  man  not  to  be  put 
down,  even  by  the  Dominie.  He  hated  Tories  as  he  hated 
the  devil,  and  if  he  were  sitting  on  the  bench  of  justice,  he 
would  go  the  length  of  roasting  some  of  them  around  here  ; 
but  as  an  elder,  it  was  another  thing. 


THE    BRAVE    BUT    BLOODY    BRANDT.  135 

"  I  have  known  Dominies  to  change  sides,  and  who  knows 
but  our  Dominie  here  may  be  killed  in  this  war.  And  suppos- 
ing we  get  one  of  the  double-sided  men,  who  are  all  king  with 
king's  men,  and  all  country  with  me,  and  he  chooses  to  sit  in 
judgment  on  me  as  a  Whig,  what  shall  I  deserve  ?" 

"Garret  Abiel,"  said  the  Dominie,  with  earnestness, 
"  your  faith  is  failing.  Do  you  for  a  moment  believe  th»t 
we  are  to  lose  the  ground  we  have  gained,  if  we  be  true 
to  ourselves,  and  stop  these  traitors,  who  are  prowling 
about  our  door  all  night,  waiting  for  our  carcasses  ?  Tender 
mercy  at  this  hour  is  severity,  and  I  call  upon  you  to  make 
out  a  case  of  public  scandal  against  Petrus  Sax,  Jacobus  Ror 
and  Johannes  Troumpier,  and  others  to  be  named." 

At  this  point  in  the  proceedings,  some  one  called  over  the 
half  door  where  they  were  assembled,  "  Garret  Abiel,  tous 
vanted  at  home,"  and  at  the  call  the  elder  rose,  putting  the 
pipe,  that  he  had  just  filled  for  the  fourth  time,  into  the 
cinders,  giving  a  few  whiffs  to  be  sure  of  its  kindling,  and  he 
left,  bidding  the  Dominie  call  on  his  way  home,  and  he  would 
send  David  with  him  on  the  road  home,  as  a  convoy.  Abiel's 
house  lay  in  the  Vlatt,  about  half  a  mile  from  Monus  Died- 
richt's,  which  was  perched  on  the  side-hill  close  by  the  mili- 
tary road,  which  went  through  Unadilla  and  the  lake 
country,  to  Fort  Niagara.  The  road  to  the  Elder  Abiel's, 
from  the  place  he  was  in,  was  uneven,  and  fenced  on  both 
sides  by  alder  bushes  and  small  trees,  which  were  left  in  the 
meadows,  and  by  the  rail  fences.  Besides,  it  was  necessary 
for  him  to  cross  the  creek  before  he  could  reach  his  own 
door. 

It  so  happened,  in  the  course  of  events,  that  Teunis  Roe 
was  on  his  way  toward  the  house  of  Garret  Abiel.  He  had 
returned  during  the  evening  from  Sopus,  whither  he  had 
been  sent ;  and  having  missed  his  own  aim — telling  the 
Dominie  of  his  danger — he  was  in  no  haste  to  return  and 
report  anything  to  his  prejudice.  All  he  could  do  was  to  be 
as  near  as  possible  to  him,  and  avert  from  him  the  injury 
in  tended. 

His  father  met  him  with  as  much  excited  pleasure  as  it  was 
possible  for  him  to  display  outwardly  in  his  stiff,  cliuwy  man- 
ner, and  to  all  questions  put  concerning  the  Classis,  he  gave 
evasive  answers,  which  satisfied  the  old  man,  and  made  him 
rub  his  hands  in  prospect  of  the  captain's  cap  that  waited  for 
his  son  Teunis ;  other  means  of  information  were  not  want- 
ing concerning  the  sayings  and  the  doings  of  th?t  day  ;  nor 


136  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

bad  the  movers  in  the  plot,  of  taking  off  the  Consistory  bodily, 
waited  for  the  result  of  those  resolutions  discussed  at  Sopus. 
The  temper  of  the  stern  Whig  Dominie  had  been  felt  too 
often  before  this,  not  to  be  dreaded  now,  whether  he  had  the 
authority  of  the  church  or  was  left  to  act  without  it.  Either 
fie  must  be  removed  out  of  the  way,  or  they  must  escape  for 
the  present.  Brandt's  presence  was  now  their  only  chance, 
and  already  the  train  was  all  laid,  waiting  for  the  spark. 

"  Noo  Sonne,"  said  the  burly  Boerman,  "  hev  de  glass 
of  de  gin  schnaaps,  ande  here  is  de  plack  for  tee  face.  Tee 
must  be  tee  young  Ingin,"  and  he  looked  as  if  he  were  laugh- 
ing, when  not  a  sound  came  from  his  throat.  Gin  had  been 
plentifully  drank  all  round,  of  which  the  old  Tory  had  swal- 
lowed a  good  share. 

Teunis  was  shocked  at  the  disguise  he  saw  the  company  in, 
and  his  feelings  revolted  from  the  garments  brought  to  him, 
so  that  on  the  first  impulse  he  said  warmly,  "  Dad,  I  cannot 
hide  my  face  like  the  owl." 

"  Ende  vat  vor  no  like  de  oders  ?  Tee  vill  vecht  alle  de 
betters,"  said  the  really  astonished  Jacob. 

"  Nae,  nae,"  said  the  son,  becoming  more  decided,  "  if  I 
look  like  the  devil  I  must  feel  like  him,  and  maybe  I  may 
turn  and  blow  brimstone  on  those  who  set  me  on  fire.  Dad- 
die,  I  will  remain  and  be  a  man,  and  respect  myself.  In  that 
way  will  I  do  my  duty,  all  the  better  to  my  God  and  to  my 
country,  and  to  " 

The  cautious  mother  saw  where  all  this  was  tending,  so 
stepping  in  between  father  and  son,  she  whispered  something 
in  the  ear  of  the  old  man,  which  tickled  him  greatly,  for 
breaking  out  well  pleased,  he  said : 

"  Goodt,  goodt,  sonne ;  den  go  down  to  de  creek  ende, 
votch  for  de  big  Whiggee  Abiel,  and  see  dat  he  off  wid 
Brandt  once,  Dominie  or  no  Dominie." 

Teunis,  on  reflection,  saw  that  he  might  aid  in  the  rescue 
of  the  Dominie,  should  he  be  taken,  all  the  better  if  he  put 
on  the  disguise  provided  for  him  ;  and  in  the  event  of  his 
being  taken,  there  would  be  at  least  one  friend  near,  who 
might  aid  him  in  his  attempt  to  escape.  Without  any  more 
parleying,  he  endeavored  to  ascertain  the  exact  state  oi 
affairs,  and  started  to  the  edge  of  the  stream  over  which 
Elder  Abiel  must  cross  before  he  could  reach  his  own  door. 
Then  and  there  he  hoped  to  obtain  a  quiet  interview,  and 
reveal  to  him  all  he  knew. 

All  at  once  he  heard  the  very  man  he  \vas  waiting  for, 


THE   BEAVE    BUT    BLOODY    BRANDT.  137 

shouting  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  and  swearing  a  little  in 
Dutch,  at  some  one  who  was  waylaying  him. 

"Take  dat,  Dunder-bush !  more  comin'  before  morning. 
He!  he!  he!" 

Teunis  knew  al.  the  parties  well.  It  was  the  Elder  and 
his  slave  Cuffee,  that  arch  negro  with  whom  Dora  was  in 
compact,  now  carrying  out  the  scheme  which  had  either  been 
put  into  their  hands  by  Satan  or  his  imps.  The  whole  of  that 
dark  scene  in  the  cave  came  up  before  the  vision  of  the  hid- 
den sentinel,  and  in  present  circumstances  the  plot  seemed 
likely  to  be  successfully  carried  out.  The  private  and  the 
public  enemies  of  Abiel  had  found  in  this  black  knave  a  fit 
instrument,  as  they  saw,  of  effecting  their  purpose.  He  pos- 
sessed great  shrewdness,  with  more  fire  than  usually  falls  to 
the  share  of  his  race.  Certainly  there  was  a  deeper  malice 
in  that  bosom  than  was  known,  till  the  times  showed  him 
up  in  his  true  colors.  All  the  chastisements  he  had  ever 
received  were  treasured  by  him,  lying  at  interest,  which 
he  now  determined  to  pay  at  a  compound  rate. 

This  now  being  the  set  night,  and  nine  o'clock  being  the 
hour  when  a  clean  sweep  was  to  be  made  of  the  whole 
country,  the  Dominie  with  the  rest,  Cuffee  was  set  to 
watch  the  door,  and  keep  all  away  but  friends.  But  the 
malicious  slave,  remembering  his  stripes  and  rejoicing  in  his 
revenge,  resolved  to  have  a  little  fun,  and  do  a  little  of  the 
punishment  with  his  own  hand;  so  he  had  the  Elder  Abiel 
called  out  from  the  rest,  that  he  might  waylay  him  in  the  dark. 

"  Tak  dat  vonce  more  'gain.  Love  cat-ende-nine-tails  ;  he ! 
he  !  he !  Dornily  fire  all  his  cannons  at  him.  No  dead  yet ; 
one  heavy  gad  kill  no  ox  so  big." 

"  You  black  sinner,  what  do  you  mean  ?  I'll  beat  you 
white,"  and  here  the  worthy  master  was  groping  round  in 
the  dark  for  some  stick  or  stone  that  he  might  defend  himself 
with,  while  Cuffee  was  dodging  him  in  all  directions,  and  deal- 
ing out  such  strokes  as  he  thought  fit;  sometimes  from 
behind,  and  then  on  the  side,  all  the  while  laughing  his 
"  he !  he !  he !"  so  provoking,  that  the  sound  went  further 
into  the  old  man's  spirit  than  the  gad  went  into  his  body.  It 
was  just  as  the  master  was  fairly  worn  out  that  Teunis  stepped 
in  and  gave  the  black  a  stroke  on  the  temple,  that  laid  him 
flat  on  the  ground,  but  he  was  no  more  hurt  than  if  he  had 
been  a  bull  calf.  Rising  quickly  up,  he  ym  with  all  his  power 
from  the  place,  and  disappeared  in  a  thicket. 

Teuuis,  finding   himself  alongside   of  the   very  man   he 


138  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

wanted  to  see,  thought  of  the  two  messages  sent  by  him  to 
the  Elder.  One  was  to  watch  him  lest  he  should  escape  from 
the  designs  upon  him ;  and  the  other  to  warn  him  so  that  he 
might  escape.  He  resolved  to  follow  his  heart,  and  warn  him, 
but  how  to  begin,  in  the  present  confused  state  of  the  old 
Dutchman's  brains,  was  a  question  of  doubt.  He  had  been  so 
completely  thrown  off  his  balance  by  the  suddenness  of  the 
call  in  the  midst  of  his  argument  with  the  Dominie  from  fear 
lest  something  serious  had  happened  in  his  absence,  and  was  so 
hastily  passing  through  the  dark,  that  the  stroke  from  behind, 
and  the  beating  which  followed  from  his  own  slave,  was, 
when  all  had  passed  over,  a  maze  through  which  he  could  not 
see.  When,  therefore,  the  first  man  he  met  was  no  other 
than  the  son  of  his  mortal  enemy,  he  was  inclined  to  con- 
sider it  but  a  part  of  the  plot  of  which  he  had  heard  that 
night  for  the  first  time. 

"  The  devil  take  that  son  of  his  own !  When  I  get  hold 
of  him,  I  will  make  his  flesh  as  raw  as  he  made  old  Grey's 
back  in  his  last  night's  ride."  The  negro  had  been  out  with 
the  Tories  all  the  previous  night,  and  rode  one  of  his  master's 
horses  almost  to  death. 

"  Maybe,"  said  Teuriis,  "  I  can  explain  to  Uncle  Garret  the 
cause  of  Cuffee's  rebellion." 

Before  another  word  could  be  got  in,  the  old  man  was  up 
in  a  rage  and  with  his  staff  high  in  the  air,  was  threatening 
the  speaker  with  the  punishment  he  meant  for  the  black. 

"The  rebel!  Who  speaks  of  rebellion  here?  Who  will 
hint  at  rebellion  to  me,  you  mean  Tory,  and  the  son  of  a  far 
meaner  Tory  ?" 

But  for  the  promise  he  had  made  to  Elsie,  this  sudden 
onslaught  might  have  upset  the  good  intentions  of  her  lover, 
but  his  real  desire  of  warning  the  honest  Boerman  of  danger 
kept  him  calm  and  to  his  purpose  ;  so,  loosening  himself  from 
the  grasp  made  upon  his  throat,  he  quietly  said : 

"I  did  not  mean  you  were  a  rebel,  Elder,  but  that  Cuffee 
was  inleague  against  you,  and  rebels  were  in  your  own  house." 

"  You  lie !"  was  the  hot  answer  of  the  old  man.  '•  I  do  as 
the  Dominie  advises,  and  as  he  tells  of  Abraham,  who  com- 
manded his  children  and  his  servants  after  him.  My  house 
is  a  well-ordered  house,  as  my  good  whip  this  night  will 
testify." 

By  degrees,  however,  Tennis  found  the  way  to  the  angr\ 
man's  understanding ;  so  that  by  the  time  he  had  reached  hi* 
own  door,  he  had  a  tolerable  notion  of  the  state  of  things 


THE  BEAVE  BUT  BLOODY  BRANDT.          139 

and  of  what  he  must  guard  against.  Had  he  but  another 
hour  to  collect  his  thoughts,  clear  his  brain,  smoke  his  two 
accustomed  pipes,  and  give  Cuffee  his  promised  chastisement, 
it  would  have  taken  more  strength  than  the  Tories  had  mus- 
tered at  that  time  to  have  overcome  him,  except  by  taking 
him  by  surprise.  As  it  was,  Cuffee  had  anticipated  the 
threatened  attack,  through  his  love  of  mischief,  so  that  instead 
of  getting  the  whole  Consistory — the  Dominie  with  the  rest — 
they  must  be  satisfied  with  the  next  important  personage, 
Garret  Abiel.  The  rage  of  the  Tories  was  uncontrollable 
when  they  found  themselves  balked  in  part ;  and  in  all  like- 
lihood the  country  would  be  roused  before  they  could  accom- 
plish anything.  The  negro  had  run  to  his  employers,  whom 
he  now  regarded  as  his  equals,  telling  them,  with  great  glee, 
how  he  had  "  trashed  de  ole  man  so  that  he  roared  like  de 
black  bull ;"  but  instead  of  getting  praise  for  his  pranks,  he 
was  near  receiving  thirty  lashes,  and  would  have  been  tied 
up,  only  it  was  thought  best  to  use  him  in  carrying  out  their 
plot. 

Cuffee  was  ordered  into  the  ring  and  told  how  he  must  act. 

"You  must  go  into  the  kitchen,"  said  one  of  the  disguised 
figures  in  the  group,  "and  sit  within  the  big  jambs,  and  be 
there  when  the  Elder  comes  in,  and  deny  everything.  You 
will  be  scourged,  and  you  deserve  it ;  but  if  you  do  not  sub- 
mit to  your  master's  whip,  you  must  take  one  here  from  us." 

Cuffee  looked  as  a  big,  cowardly  mastiff  would  when  he 
fain  would  bite  some  one.  He  expected  different  treatment. 

"  Massa  yet.  Me  thinks  free  man  do  as  he  pleases  ;  king's 
man  free ;  and  den  ole  Phoebe  will  tell  all,  let  me  lie  as  I  like. 
She'll  tell  de  trut  to  shame  de  devil.  Her  mind  and  con- 
shness  truble  her  if  her  tongue  go  crooked.  Her  Christshan 
words  straight  as  hoe-handle." 

"Cuffee,"  said  Helmers  Ousterhout,  who  knew  that  the 
nigger  was  more  afraid  of  the  fat  wench  than  he  was  of  even 
his  master,  "hide  the  ladle  and  she  cannot  strike  you." 

"  I'll  not  go  in  once  again.  I'm  de  son  of  King  Quackle- 
dom  myself,  and  de  free  as'll  the  best  of  them." 

Here  a  tall,  straight  figure,  who  had  stood  silent  in  tho 
shadow  of  the  rest,  stepped  forward  and  seized  the  African 
by  the  wool  with  his  left  hand,  holding  in  his  right  a  bright, 
glittering  knife,  with  which  he  made  three  flourishes  round 
Cuffee's  head,  at  the  same  time  giving  him  a  shake  which 
gave  the  black  ague  fits.  At  the  close  of  this  little  panto- 
name,  he  was  ready  to  do  as  he  was  bidden,  and  in  hw 


140  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

marched,  just  in  time  to  take  his  seat  close  by  the  fire  on  the 
floor,  and  feign  to  be  fast  asleep. 

Once  embarked  in  the  plan,  Cuffee  was  the  very  one  to  go 
through  with  it,  and  he  put  on  a  face  which  almost  deceived  the 
spectators,  who  had  taken  their  places  at  the  kitchen  window 
to  watch  the  progress  of  things.  The  fare  just  blazed,  whils 
the  other  negroes  were  preparing  for  their  several  beds.  A 
few  little  elves,  who  had  had  an  early  sleep,  were  playing, 
naked  as  little  pigs,  on  the  floor.  Luckily  for  Cuffee,  Queen 
Phoebe  was  down  in  the -cellar,  preparing  for  the  morning's 
repast.  It  was  not  long  before  she  came  up,  when  Cuffee 
gave  a  start  and  a  snort,  as  if  he  were  wakened  out  of  a 
dream,  then  falling  back  again  into  the  land  of  drowsiness. 
Just  then  the  door  opened,  and  in  stepped  the  master,  whip 
in  hand  ;  and  an  angry  man  was  he,  as  he  stood  over  Cuffee. 
and  roared : 

"  Strip,  you  black  dog !  You  sinner  of  Satan  ! — en  de 
groote  draak  oude  slang— duivel  en  Satanas  !  Strip  !" 

The  Elder,  for  want  of  words  in  English,  had  recourse  to 
the  Bible,  and  heaped  dragon,  serpent,  devil,  satan,  all  in 
one,  on  the  head  of  the  devoted  Cuffee:  but  strip  was  the 
word  which  went  furthest  into  the  ear  of  that  worthy. 

"  What'll  strip  for  now?  Had  von  flogging  already, 
to-day.  N"o'll  worked  for  so  much,  and  no  more." 

"Strip,"  said  the  angry  master,  his  rage  rising  with  his 
efforts  to  restrain  himself.  "  Your  rebellion  must  be  checked. 
Ha !  you  are  going  to  set  up  for  yourself,  King  Quackledorn, 
and  your  subjects  are  to  gather  in  the  morning.  But  it  will 
take  all  the  black  regiment  together  to  save  you  just  now, 
for  that  stroke  you  gave  me  in  the  meadow.  I  knew  your 
he!  he?  he!  You  son  of  the  devil!  You  heathen!  This 
is  what  you  learn  of  that  Fetish  cantrap  that  you  have  at 
full  moon,  instead  of  learning  your  catechism." 

"  Lor'  blessy,  massa,  me  been  back  all  de  way  to  Guinea 
coast,  'long  side  of  King  Quackledom,  chewing  monkey  snout, 
an'  trinking  spittle  schnaps  wid  Prince  Maskity  till  I  fell 
down  on  de  floor.  Phoebe  knows,  dere,  herself;  an'  she  tell 
de  trut  always,  Domilie,  and  'hole  Consisry  say  amen." 

All  of  this  was  said  in  the  utmost  gravity  by  Cufl'ee,  vdth 
his  back  to  the  wall  and  his  face  fronting  the  back  door, 
which  he  kept  watching  with  the  intensest  interest,  for 
through  that  he  expected  his  rescue.  On  his  right  hand 
stood  /'Acebe,  and  on  his  left  her  daughter  Peggy,  who  had 
far  the  cunning,  frolicsome  fellow  a  hankering  kindness  ;  the 


THE   BRAVE   BUT   BLOODY   BRANDT.  141 

master  stood  in  front.  The  small  fry  had  all  run  like  rats 
into  their  holes,  for  well  they  knew  that  when  the  blood  o^ 
old  Dunder  Geest  was  up,  he  dealt  his  blows  with  great  im- 
partiality all  round  within  his  reach. 

Peggy  stood  ready  to  declare  anything,  but  Phoebe,  who 
was  really  what  Cuffee  had  said,  truthful,  felt  herself  in  a 
tight  place  when  her  master  demanded  if  she  had  seen  the 
black  scoundrel  fall  on  the  floor. 

"  Mammy,"  said  she,  "  black  as  Cuffee ;  massa  vite  as 
Godcle  made  him.  If  massa  saw  Cuff  loll  on  de  grass,  mo 
seed  him  loll  on  de  floor.  Tat's  ah1  Pho3be  say." 

The  Elder  was  beginning  to  get  confused,  and  by  way  of 
clearing  his  mind  and  regaining  his  quiet,  he  resolved  on 
giving  a  few  lashes,  for  he  knew  that  if  Cuffee  was  not 
guilty,  he  would  be  guilty  before  long,  so  it  was  as  well  to 
make  things  sure,  and  give  him  payment  beforehand ;  but 
ere  he  had  time  to  lay  on,  the  door  opened  as  quietly  as  a 
Dutch  door  will,  when  in  stepped  two  of  the  disguised  Indi- 
ans ;  then  Cuffee  also  stepped  out  and  seized  the  whip,  which 
the  master  was  flourishing  round  his  head,  by  way  of  giving 
it  force  and  effect  before  laying  it  on. 

The  Elder,  again  taken  all  aback,  looked  as  if  coming  out 
of  a  dream,  first  at  the  new  comers,  and  then  at  the  impudent 
slave.  When  he  found  his  tongue,  he  threw  himself  back  to 
the  wall,  and  ordered  them  out  of  his  presence. 

"  You  red  sinners,  as  you  only  seem  to  be,  get  out  of  my 
own  huisen,"  and  he  flung  them  aside  as  if  they  had  been 
children,  for  he  was  still  a  man  of  great  strength,  and  had 
once  been  the  most  powerful  man  in  the  whole  region.  Six 
feet  three  in  his  stockings,  and  shoulders  a  yard  broad,  he 
stood  straight  as  an  Indian,  with  arms  ending  in  fists  that 
weighed  like  a  blacksmith's  force-hammer.  "  Get  out  of  my 
huisen,  you  scallowags  ;  adderen  gebroedsels,  ye  dressed  up 
geveinsden.  Get  out,  before  I  lay  you  low  with  my  hands  !" 
and  springing  forward,  he  felled  Cuffee  to  the  floor  at  a 
stroke.  Phosbe  rushed  in  between  the  master  and  slave,  or 
lie  would  have  trod  him  down  under  his  feet  in  a  moment. 
The  brood  of  blacks,  seeing  their  queen  in  the  midst,  screamed 
and  squealed  like  young  bears  when  their  den  is  rifled,  while 
the  old  leader  roared  at  the  full  pitch  of  his  voice  for  his 
sons.  "  David !  Egbert !  Charlie !  All  of  you  come." 

But  it  was  useless  crying.  The  house  was  surrounded  by 
mock  and  real  Indians,  headed  by  Brandt  himself.  When 
Garret  found  out  the  actual  state  of  things,  he  submitted 


142  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

without  another  grumble,  only  that  he  made  one  more  effort 
at  giving  Ctiffee  his  due,  and  it  was  the  most  effectual  of  any 
attempted  by  him.  As  he  was  passing  out  of  the  door 
between  two  guards,  that  ungrateful  slave  marched  ahead  in 
mock  dignity,  shouldering  the  old  man's  whip,  which  had 
done  such  good  service  on  his  own  shoulders  so  frequently,, 
when  the  master  seized  the  big,  thick,  heavy  clasped  Bible  in 
his  large  fist,  and  threw  it  with  such  force  that  it  lighted  on 
Cuffee's  skull,  making  him  turn  a  sommerset  before  the  whole 
company,  causing  laughter  that  was  heard  up  to  Monus  Died- 
richt's,  so  that  they  were  deceived  by  it,  and  believed  it  to 
be  a  frolic  rather  than  a  fight. 

When  they  gained  the  outside  of  the  door,  old  Garret  was 
doubly  mortified  when  he  saw  that  his  son  was  put  along- 
side of  him,  a  prisoner.  Brandt,  who  led  the  party,  saw  the 
necessity  of  dispatch,  for  already  the  alarm  was  spreading 
far  and  wide.  The  Dominie  flew  like  a  madman  from  house 
to  house,  rousing  the  true  Whigs  from  their  beds,  and  sending 
the  young  and  eager  after  others,  and  appointing  a  rendez- 
vous for  all  to  meet,  so  as  to  make  a  stand  and  deliver  the 
men  now  kidnapped.  But  the  leader  of  the  marauders  was 
too  good  a  general  to  linger  till  his  enemies  should  muster 
their  forces,  so  he  ordered  a  march. 

The  old  and  respected  farmer  who  had  sat  all  his  life  in. 
the  midst  of  plenty,  ruling  his  own  house  at  a  word,  heard 
the  word  march,  with  a  strange  kind  of  incredulity,  and  it 
was  truly  pitiful  to  see  his  patient  spirit  yielding  to  the 
necessity  of  the  case.  He  was  not  without  experience  in 
travelling,  for  he  had  seen  more  of  the  world  than  the  majo- 
rity of  his  class ;  having  been  several  voyages  to  the  West 
Indies,  with  cattle  and  horses  which  he  took  on  his  own  ven- 
ture. He  built  and  loaded  a  vessel  in  a  bught  of  the  river, 
the  first  ever  built  on  the  stream,  and  returned  with  rich 
profits,  of  rum,  sugar,  and  negroes,  all  of  which  he  was  now 
forced  to  leave.  Still  it  was  better  with  his  experience  than 
it  was  with  most  of  those  around  him,  who  never  went  to 
Sopus  or  Albany  but  they  first  made  their  wills. 

Garret  was  an  older  man  than  he  had  been,  and  his  habits 
were  more  fixed,  so  that  ease  was  become  agreeable ;  and 
no  wonder  though  his  spirits  for  a  time  sank,  as  he  went- 
up  the  side  of  the  hill  that  overlooked  his  own  rich  domain, 
with  his  son  David  by  his  side,  nor  that  he  gave  vent 
shortly  to  his  grief: 

"  And  are  we  come  to  this  ?     I  have  thought  for  a  long 


THE    BRAVE   BUT   BLOODY    BRANDT. 

time  that  my  head  would  lie  in  the  valley  there  beside  my 
fathers,  and  my  friends,  but  awee,  awee !  this  is  to  be  the 
end  of  all  my  patriotism.  Like  King  David,  I  am  leaving 
my  house.  Well,  David  was  a  good  man,  and  suffered  worse 
than  I  am  suffering  after  all.  His  son  did  that,  my  slave 
does  this.  He  was  forced  to  leave  bareheaded  and  bare- 
footed ;  I  am  not  quite  so  badly  off  as  that  yet.  Shimei  went 
up  cursing  him  ;  well,  I  have  my  share  of  curses  from  these 
Tories.  Curse  on ;  the  Lord  hath  let  them.  I  say  as  that 
better  man  said,  'I  will  bear  it  all  for  God  and  my  country !'  " 

So,  down-hearted,  he  went  on ;  but  a  little  incident  occurred 
which  roused  him  out  of  his  melancholy,  arid  actually  put 
new  life  into  him.  He  was  going  on  cane  in  hand,  with  the 
knapsack  on  his  back,  which  the  old  vrow,  though  in  tears, 
had  filled  with  her  olecakes  and  rusks,  and  leaning  in  part 
on  the  shoulder  of  David,  his  son,  when  that  malicious  Cuffee 
carne  up  before  him,  bowing  with  mock  gravity,  and  took  his 
hat  off  his  head,  putting  his  own  skull-cap  on  in  its  place,  and 
marching  off  as  before,  with  the  authority  of  King  George's 
men.  The  Boerman  waked  up  as  out  of  a  dream,  watching 
his  time,  and  when  Cuffee  once  more  came  around  demanding 
obedience  to  "  de  king  of  Quackledom,"  the  hickory  stick  of 
the  aged  prisoner  laid  the  impudent  fellow  once  more  low, 
and  this  time  so  effectually  that  the  nose  sprang  blood.  He 
rose  with  the  full  intention  of  resenting  the  stroke,  when 
Brandt  came  forward,  and  laying  his  hand  on  Abiel,  simply 
said,  "  Mohawk's  prisoner,"  and  ordered  the  negro  to  restore 
the  hat  and  take  his  own  chapeau.  The  Elder  had  no  more 
trouble  from  any  quarter,  since  he  found  himself  under  the 
special  protection  of  Brandt,  who  took  such  a  partial  liking 
to  his  prisoner  that  he  ever  after  showed  him  favor  above 
the  rest.  "  The  Indian,"  he  would  say,  "  loves  to  see  a  man, 
though  he  be  an  enemy."  * 

Wearily  and  sadly  did  the  prisoners  mount  up  the  hill, 
mocked  all  the  while  by  the  false  Indians,  and  pitied  seemingly 
by  some  of  the  real  red  men,  who  were  acting  as  a  diversion 
in  behalf  of  the  two  branches  of  the  British  army  above  and 
below,  so  as  to  keep  the  men  at  home  in  sell-defence.  The 
majority  of  the  militia  had  gone,  which  will  account  for  the 
difficulty  of  raising  a  company  that  night,  till  it  was  too  latfe. 

The  Dominie  and  his  friends  followed  the  party  of  marau- 
ders up  the  hill,  and  came  upon  them  so  near  at  one  time  in 

*  See  Colonel  Stone's  Life  of  Brandt. 


144  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

the  dark,  that  Garret  Abiel  insisted  upon  firing  in  among 
them,  when  the  Dominie  put  his  hand  upon  the  young  man's 
shoulder,  and  said,  "  What  if  you  should  shoot  your  father  ?" 

There  was  too  much  sense  in  it  to  risk  a  volley ;  and  so 
well  aware  were  their  enemies  of  this,  that  they  placed  their 
prisoners  where  they  were  sure  to  receive  the  bullets  if  they 
came.  "Let  us  go  and  gather  a  strong  force  of  men,  and 
intercept  them  before  they  reach  Unadilla.  They  will  wait 
for  more  prey  on  the  mountain,  and  we  shall  watch  their 
motions.  It  will  be  safest  for  us  to  leave  sentinels  behind, 
and  have  signals  appointed,  and  by  the  day  after  to-morrow, 
we  will  be  well  ready ;  for  I  know  the  Indian  is  not  yet  satis- 
fied with  the  booty  he  takes  away,  and  will  return  to  have 
the  rest.  We  shall  see.  God  will  teach  our  hands  to  war 
and  our  fingers  to  fight."  All  being  accustomed  to  regard 
the  Dominie's  word  as  law,  agreed ;  and  having  left  their 
watchers,  and  appointed  signals,  the  main  body  returned. 

Brandt  and  his  prisoners  having  gained  the  Kauterskill 
Clove,  ascended  the  side  of  the  hill  due  west,  where,  on  a  table 
that  runs  some  way  north  and  south,  they  made  a  halt.  The 
old  man  having  the  rank  of  captain  in  the  militia,  was  put  upon 
his  parole,  and  allowed  to  range  freely ;  and  passing  his  word 
for  his  son,  the  same  privilege  was  extended  to  him.  So 
confident  were  the  Indians  that  he  would  keep  his  Avord,  that 
they  lay  down  and  slept  with  their  feet  to  the  fire,  and  their 
arms  stacked.  Toward  morning,  one  of  the  prisoners  came 
close  to  the  ear  of  the  Elder,  and  whispered  :  "  Now  is  our 
time ;  we  can  kill  them  and  run."  The  old  man  lifted  his 
head  from  the  knapsack,  and  saw  it  was  possible,  but  he  sank 
back,  saying,  "  I  will  rather  die  than  break  my  word." 

Toward  morning,  just  as  the  sun  was  up,  all  were  ordered 
to  march.  Upon  the  eastern  hills  the  light  was  shining 
clear  and  beautiful,  and  the  whole  sky  was  purpled  over 
with  the  red  glory  of  the  coming  day.  The  spectators 
Interpreted  the  sight  in  accordance  with  their  feelings.  The 
prisoners  saw  in  it  the  promise  of  deliverance  to  themselves 
and  to  their  country;  the  Indians  said  the  Great  Spirit  was 
angry  with  the  rebel ;  and  the  Tories,  in  their  mean  disguise, 
were  ashamed  of  their  hypocrisy,  as  they  looked  in  the  face 
of  the  man  whom  they  knew  was  their  superior,  and  who  had 
done  nothing  worthy  of  death  or  of  bond. 

When  they  gained  the  height  of  the  South  Mountain,  the 
whole  company  gazed  down  the  river,  when  a  redness  was 
Been  upon  the  sky  in  that  direction,  dark  and  lurid,  which 


THE   BRAVE   BUT   BLOODY   BRANDT.  145 

betokened  something  unnatural,  being  of  an  entirely  different 
hue  from  all  around. 

"  Sopus  is  on  fire  !"  was  the  burst  which  came  from  every 
tongue.  "  The  rebels  are  roasting !"  was  the  fiendish  shout 
of  the  Tories,  who,  in  their  transport,  threw  aside  all  their 
disguise  in  speech,  leaping  and  huzzaing  like  men  really  pos- 
sessed of  the  devil.  They  danced  round  the  old  Elder, 
making  all  manner  effaces  at  him  whose  nod  had  up  to  that 
moment  kept  them  in  check.  "Vat  does  de  Elder  tink 
now  ?"  was  the  triumphant  cry  of  an  old  neighbor's  son, 
whom  the  insulted  man  had  befriended  only  the  week 
before.  "  Vat  will  the  good  cause  do  now  ?  The  great  Pro- 
vincial Congress  could  not  keep  the  goot  king's  troop» 
out." 

"  Sopus  will  rise  out  of  its  ashes  more  beautiful  and  richer 
than  ever,"  was  the  quiet  reply  of  the  old  man,  though  the 
tear  was  in  his  eye,  as  he  sighed  in  spirit ;  but  rousing  up, 
he  uttered  himself  freely  in  the  language  of  the  book  he 
loved.  "  Behold,  all  ye  that  kindle  a  fire,  that  compass 
yourselves  about  with  sparks ;  walk  in  the  light  of  your  tire, 
and  in  the  sparks  that  ye  have  kindled.  This  shall  you  have 
of  His  hand  ;  ye  shall  lie  down  in  sorrow." 

"  Hear  the  old  Whiggee  prophesying,"  said  one.  "  De  old 
nest  is  down  at  last,"  said  another.  "  Te  king's  powder  too 
strong  for  Washington's  guns,"  was  a  third  cry.  "  Why 
don't  the  Dominies  turn  the  Heidelburg  cannon  at  the 
sodgers."  This  was  a  climax,  and  brought  the  whole  com- 
pany down  with  laughter. 

In  this  way  the  prisoners  were  insulted ;  but  the  chief  of 
these  was  content  with  muttering  to  himself,  and  in  the  ear 
of  his  fellows,  such  consolation  as  his  religion  gave  him. 
"  Als  hy  ze  doode  zo  Naegden  z  na  hem  ende  keerden  wider 
ende  zogren  Godt  vroeg  ende  gedachten  dat  Godt  rotssten 
was  ende  Godt  de  Alderhwojste  haer  verlosen." 

"  What  does  the  old  oak  say  to  the  wind,"  inquired 
Brandt  of  one  of  the  attendants,  to  whom  the  Mohawk  paid 
more  respect  than  the  rest.  "  Does  the  heart  of  old  oak 
break  at  the  sight  of  fire  ?" 

"  No,  no,  not  at  all,"  said  the  other ;  "he  is  taking  comfort 
at  the  sight,  and  would  not  yield,  though  you  were  to  turn 
him  into  the  flame." 

"  Repeat  his  words  in  English,  since  he  is  talking  to  the 
Great  Spirit ;  the  Mohawk  can  know  his  feelingg.  Christian 
aud  Indian  Spirit  all  one." 

7 


Ii6  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Here  is  the  translation  of  the  big  man's  words  :  4  When 
he  slew  them,  then  they  sought  him,  and  they  returned  and 
inquired  early  after  God,  and  they  remembered  God  was 
their  rock,  and  the  High  God  their  Redeemer.' " 

"  Ugh  !"  said  the  brave  Indian.  "  King  George  should 
bring  his  priests  to  fight  these  goot  men.  Mohawk  find  no 
scalps  here,"  and  he  walked  olf  to  a  place  by  himself,  followed 
by  his  own  braves,  who,  instead  of  hooting  and  yelling,  as 
the  false  troop  did,  stood  looking  down  the  great  and 
glorious  valley  upon  the  gloomy  smoke,  in  the  most  stolid 
composure,  as  if  no  tide  of  feeling  flowed  through  their 
veins;  more  like  a  part  of  the  inanimate  objects  around  them 
than  human  beings.  A  Tory  of  the  name  of  Sharpe  came  up 
to  Brandt,  holding  out  a  bottle  to  him,  and  loudly  asking 
"  if  he  did  not  wish  he  were  down  there  to  get  some  scalps 
from  those  snivelling  Whigs." 

"Indian  does  not  love  white  man's  blood;"  and  the 
Mohawk  turned  away  from  the  despicable  wretch  in  disgust ; 
and  when  the  latter  laid  his  hand  familiarly  on  his  shoulder, 
he  threw  him  oif  with  a  vengeance  that  made  the  man  grow 
pale  enough  in  the  face.  Especially  when  the  knife  of  the 
red  man  glittered  in  his  hand,  and  he  said  significantly, 
"  Scalps  can  be  had  nearer  than  down  at  Sopus." 

Sharpe,  who  a  moment  before  had  been  so  well  satisfied 
with  his  own  dear  self  and  his  transports,  and  who  supposed 
that  all  on  the  king's  side  must  be  made  of  the  same  coarse 
materials,  fell  back  with  confounded  surprise,  till  he  saw  that 
Brandt  was  in  earnest,  when  he  left  him,  muttering  to  him- 
self, "  These  Ingins  such  a  proud  race,  they  should  be  taught 
to  respect  good  king's  men  in  these  times." 

The  sky,  in  the  meantime,  grew  redder  and  redder,  and 
looked  as  if  the  bolts  of  vengeance  had  shot  up  from  hell 
upon  the  devoted  place.  From  where  the  spectators  stood, 
so  high  above  the  plain,  it  seemed  as  if  the  mouth  of  that 
bottomless  pit  was  belching  forth  flames,  as  every  now  and 
again  the- different  stores  of  powder  and  of  rum  blew  up,  and 
blazed  blue  among  the  red  and  the  black,  with  which  the 
conflagration  was  mingled. 

"  Dat  is  but  von  place,"  said  one  of  the  disguised  Tories  ; 
"  dere  vill  be  red  fires,  stringing  like  the  gooldt  beads  on 
Mammy  Borland's  neck,  all  up  de  Nort  River.  Vat  say  you 
to  dat,  Elder  'Biel  ?" 

"  When  they  persecute  you  in  one  place,  flee  to  another, 
the  good  book  says.  Burn  us  out  on  the  Vlatts,  we  will  run 


BLESSED    ARE    THE   PURE    IN    HEART.  14:7 

to  the  mountains,  like  the  first  Christians."  This  was  said 
in  perfect  calmness ;  for  by  this  time  the  bitterness  was  past 
in  the  old  man's  mind. 

"  Dutchmen  from  Holland  cannot  live  on  hills,"  said  some 
one  by  his  side,  who  seemed  to  stand  by  himself,  but  who 
was  watching  all,  far  and  near,  with  a  keen  eye.  "  They  are 
water-fowls,  frogs  rather,  and  live  best  in  the  marshes." 

This  was  none  else  than  Clifford,  whom  Tennis,  who  had 
now  joined  the  troop,  at  once  recognized,  though  in  his  own 
present  disguise,  he  was  not  so  easily  distinguished  as  the 
man  so  lately  seen  on  horseback  by  the  side  of  the  little 
lakes. 

The  pine  orchard  being  the  place  of  rendezvous,  new 
parties  were  coming  in  all  the  time,  bringing  more  prisoners. 
Teunis  watched  every  fresh  arrival  with  eager  eye,  till  he 
saw  Kiskataam  and  Shandaagan  come  from  the  northward 
without  any  attendants ;  and  he  began  to  feel  satisfied  that 
Elsie  had  eluded  their  search.  The  interview  he  witnessed 
between  these  Indians  and  Clifford,  convinced  him  still  further 
that  the  trail  of  the  two  fugitives  had  not  been  discovered. 
The  heart  of  the  young  Dutchman  beat  against  his  side  \uth 
gratitude  to  God,  who  had  saved  them.  He  resolved  to 
find  his  way  during  the  day  to  Hoogenhuisen,  and  hunt  for 
himself. 


CHAPTER    XIH. 

BLESSED   ARE  THE   PURE   IN   HEART. 

"  These  thoughts  may  startle  well,  but  not  astound 
The  virtuous  mind,  that  ever  walks  attended 
By  a  strong  sided  champion— conscience." 

MILTON'S  Cowra. 

ELSIE  and  the  young  lady  Margaret  have  been  too  long 
out  of  sight.  We  left  them  when  Teunis  did,  on  the  side  of 
the  North  Mountain.  He  went  below  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  information  concerning  Brandt,  and  that  he  might 
be  of  service  to  the  friends  of  Elsie.  The  fact  of  this  lady 
having  been  forcibly  carried  away  from  those  whose  duty 
and  pleasure  were  to  love  and  cherish  her,  was  a  mystery 
which  must  be  unravelled  before  her  freedom  could  be 


14:8  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

obtained,  and  it  lay  heavily  on  his  mind ,  but  the  occm 
rence  may  have  been  forgotten  by  us,  while  following  after 
that  gang  of  land  pirates,  whose  object  was  revenge,  under 
the  color  of  patriotism. 

But  our  narrative,  like  the  marchings  and  counter-march- 
ings of  an  army  of  observation,  must  go  back  as  well  as  for- 
ward. It  was  so  that  Teunis  Roe  had  to  ride  on  his  unex- 
pected expedition.  First  to  Hoogenhuisen,  then  down  the 
mountain  to  the  Vlatts  below ;  up  again  on  the  outlook  for 
Brandt,  when  he  turned  again,  at  the  impulse  of  his  feelings, 
in  search  of  the  two  females  he  had  left  behind  him  that 
morning.  Since  they  were  missing  he  came  at  once  to  the 
conclusion,  that  Elsie,  in  whose  prudence  he  had  the  utmost 
confidence,  had  deemed  it  best  to  leave  their  retreat  for  some 
place  of  greater  safety.  He  was  well  aware  of  the  different 
ways  by  which  one  acquainted  with  these  highlands  might 
succeed  in  getting  safely  down ;  and  he  felt  quite  sure  that 
this  must  be  the  case  now. 

But  in  all  these  conjectures  he  was  mistaken.  The  events 
of  that  morning  were  deeply  interesting  to  both  the  captives  ; 
for  the  two  had  become  identified,  and  the  absence  of  Teuuis 
was  felt,  even  by  Elsie,  to  be  the  cause  of  more  anxiety  than 
she  would  have  allowed  to  any  one.  They  sat  down  on 
a  smooth  place  to  break  their  fast  upon  the  fragments  which 
Elsie  had  carried  with  her  from  the  husking  bee.  Dame 
Myers,  according  to  her  custom,  had  not  only  heaped  up  the 
plate  of  her  favorite  with  Benjamin's  share,  but  had  watched 
so  as  to  be  sure  that  she  ate  enough,  since  they  had  plenty, 
and  more  to  cook.  After  feeding  the  maid  of  Hoogenhuisen 
with  what  would  have  satisfied  a  hungry  soldier  at  the  close 
of  a  day's  march,  or  at  its  commencement,  with  nothing  to 
expect  for  week,  one  of  these  piles  was  thrown  into  Elsie's 
apron,  which,  in  her  haste,  was  carried  all  night  long  in  her 
arm,  so  that  when  she  unrolled  the  bundle,  it  showed  krow- 
lers,  olecake,  sausages  and  roleshees,  lying  all  snugly  toge- 
ther. To  a  nice  and  delicate  stomach  such  a  mess  might  not 
be  delicious  ;  but  with  appetites  sharpened  by  fasting  and  the 
morning  air  of  the  mountains,  there  were  no  objections  offered, 
even  by  Margaret,  who  was  heard  often  to  declare  that  the 
sweetest  meal  that  she  ever  partook  of  was  on  a  rock,  three 
thousand  feet  above  the  sea,  in  the  dark  grey  of  the  morning, 
with  the  Indians  on  her  trail. 

"  If  ever  I  return  again  to  my  native  England,"  said  Mar- 
garet, after  she  had  broke  her  fast  that  morning,  "  I  shal 


BLESSED    ARE   THE   PUKE   IN    HEART.  149 

have  a  breakfast,  as  near  as  it  can  be  dressed,  like  this  once 
a  year,  on  the  top  of  Snowdon.  But  we  have  no  such 
heights  in  old  England  as  this.  Oh,  what  a  glorious  pano- 
rama, now  that  the  mist  has  all  rolled  away.  But  tell  me, 
Elsie,  is  that  plain  we  look  upon  level  down  to  the  river 
brink  ?  I  thought,  on  coming  up,  wre  rose  up  over  little  hills 
before  we  ascended  this  main  giant.  There  do  not  seem  to 
be  any  inequalities  whatever ;  but  tell  me,  can  that  be  the 
great  river  that  I  have  read  of,  and  sailed  upon  so  lately  ? 
Now,  from  here  it  seems  but  like  a  silver  ribbon,  drawn 
through  a  fawn  velvet  robe — so  narrow.  The  Thames  and 
the  Rhine  are  not  to  be  compared  to  it.  Not  a  vessel  on  its 
bosom." 

"You  are  mistaken,  Miss  Clinton" — for  by  this  time  Mar- 
garet had  informed  Elsie  who  she  was — "that  stream  is 
broad  and  deep,  but  the  woods,  the  plains  and  the  mountains 
are  all  great,  and  you  are  judging  the  river  in  comparison 
with  these.  They  correspond  with  the  continent  we  live 
upon.  My  uncle  says,  that  while  he  was  in  England  he  was 
all  the  time  trying  to  contract  his  views.  You  are  obliged 
to  expand  your  powers  of  comparison.  That  was  the  way  h« 
explained  the  difference  of  feeling  to  an  English  officer  whom 
he  met  up  here  once.  '  See  those  hills,'  said  he,  pointing  to 
the  Green  Mountains.  'They  lie  on  the  borders  of  Canada. 
Opposite  to  you  are  the  mountains  of  Connecticut ;  and 
these  on  the  right  lie  near  the  coast  of  New  York.' " 

"  And  who  was  that  officer  of  England  that  came  up  here 
with  your  uncle  ?"  said  Margaret,  ."for  I  thought  none  of 
them  ever  had  been  so  high  up  in  this  land." 

"  His  name  was  Calderwood,"  said  Elsie,  "  and  he  spends 
his  time  in  examining  all  the  curious  points  of  the  region,  and 
explaining  the  causes  of  things  to  us." 

"  Spends  his  time  up  here  ;  and  his  name.  It  cannot  possi- 
bly be  the  Calderwood  that  I  know." 

"  Did  I  say  spends  his  time  ?  I  meant,"  said  Elsie,  "  he 
did  spend  his  time.  There  was  an  evident  hesitancy  in  the 
communication  of  the  maid  of  the  mountain,  which  her  com- 
panion was  too  quick  not  to  observe,  and  too  well  bred  to 
pursue  it;  still  the  name  lingered  on  her  ear,  and  the  passing 
hint  excited  an  interest  more  than  other  passing  remarks  had 
done.  Here  Elsie  gave  a  sudden  start,  as  if  she  had  seen 
something  that  awakened  her  horror.  She  stood  on  the 
highest  point  at  hand,  scrutinizing  a  dark  mote  on  the  river, 
which  was  plainly  becoming  more  visible  every  moment 


150  THE  DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

The  mountain  nymph  changed  colors  more  rapidly  than  an 
April  sky,  but  was  still  silent. 

"  What  attracts  your  eye  so  intently  ?"  said  Margaret,  at 
the  same  time  gazing  down  in  the  direction  she  saw  her 
friend  looking ;  when,  with  equal  rapidity,  her  countenance 
grew  pale  and  red  in  an  instant,  as  she  exclaimed :  "  A 
ship !  A  ship !  I  have  seen  a  ship  before,  at  sea,  but  one 
from  such  a  height  as  this  never  before." 

"  Yes,"  said  Elsie  with  some  bitterness,  "  a  king's  ship, 
where  she  has  no  business  to  be.  Oh,  if  our  people  had  but 
a  match  for  her,  I  could  stand  here  and  see  her  driven  back 
to  the  sea,  and  clap  my  hands  at  her." 

"  It  would  be  a  grand  and  awful  sight  to  you  ;  but  to  me, 
my  dear  Elsie,  how  terrible,  when  I  tell  you  that  my  father 
and  mother  are  on  board.  Oh,  my  dear  parents,  how  I  long 
to  be  in  your  arms." 

Here  she  stretched  forth  her  arms,  as  a  child  does  to 
grasp  the  moon  ;  and  as  vainly.  It  was  indeed  the  Vulture, 
that  had,  after  the  abduction  of  Margaret,  remained  near  the 
place  where  they  first  missed  the  Indian  Kiskataam.  On 
this  account  the  attack  upon  Sopus  had  been  delayed  twenty- 
four  hours ;  while  in  the  meantime  the  cruel  kidnapper  was 
making  his  way  where  no  ship  could  swim.  This  moment  ol 
seeing  the  ship  was,  on  that  account,  one  of  intense  interest. 
There  she  was,  like  a  large  bird  of  prey,  hovering  over  her 
rictim. 

"  She  is  well  named  the  Vulture,"  said  Elsie,  "  which  is  a 
kind  of  eagle,  the  Dominie  tells  us,  that  scents  carrion  far  off. 
There  she  spreads  her  wings,  and  before  night  her  cruel 
beak  will  be  in  the  heart  of  some  innocent  Whigs,  whose 
only  fault  is,  that  they  love  their  country  and  their  liberty 
better  than  they  love  King  George." 

"  Have  pity  on  me,  dear  Elsie,  I  am  in  your  hands,  and 
you  are  kind  to  me,  and  I  cannot  be  angry  with  you,  though 
you  are  severe  ;  but  no  wonder  though  you  both  love  your 
people  and  love  liberty,  standing  up  here,  feeling  all  the 
rapture  of  this  scene.  My  parents  are  in  that  ship,  and  my 
brother  is  there,  and  one  very  dear  to  me  is  there  who 
would  shed  his  blood  willingly  for  me — all  are  suffering. 
Oh,  if  they  could  but  see  me,  as  I  do  them  at  this  moment." 

"  Well,  I  shall  repress  my  feelings,  Miss  Clinton,  for  your 
sake,  and  please  to  forgive  me  in  my  ardor,  but  remember 
that  this  is  the  day  Brandt  is  expected  to  come  from  this 
very  mountain  height,  to  join  hands  with  the  Tories  below  • 


BLESSED   ARE   THE   PUKE   IN   HKART.  151 

and  that  ship  is  hovering  there  to  help  them.  N"o  wonder 
my  heart  is  glowing  with  anger,  when  I  know  that  my  father 
is  in  danger,  and  all  my  friends  exposed." 

"  Elsie  !  Elsie  !  forgive  me,  and  cast  me  aside,  for  I'm  not 
deserving  the  trouble  and  the  risk  you  run  on  my  account. 
Oh,  God  !  what  have  I  done  that  I  should  be  sent  here  to 
these  wilds,  and  within  sight  of  the  happy  heaven  that  I  love 
so  well  down  there.  There  is  a  hawk  sailing  down  ;  if  I  had 
but  his  wings  for  a  few  minutes  ! — and  yet  I  think  myself  far 
above  him  in  wisdom  and  in  sentiment :  yet  ten  minutes  in 
possession  of  his  power  would  put  me  beyond  all  harm." 

"•  Lady  Margaret,  you  were  on  board  of  that  ship,  and  all 
the  power  of  great  England  was  pledged  to  defend  you,  so 
long  as  that  flag  waved,  and  yet  you  fell  into  the  snare  of 
the  fowler ;  you  trusted  a  human  arm  and  it  failed  you.  Here 
am  I  who  have  lived  all  my  days  in  these  wilds,  and  yet  I 
am  free.  The  hand  that  holds  up  that  hawk,  teaching  him 
to  stretch  out  his  wings  toward  the  south,  will  carry  you 
carefully  home  if  it  be  his  will,  and  if  not,  all  the  armies 
and  navies  of  King  George  combined  cannot  insure  your 
safety." 

As  is  common  in  these  high  regions,  clouds  began  to 
gather  round  the  tops  of  the  peaks,  enveloping  everything  in 
mist,  so  that  the  river  and  the  plain  soon  became  invisible. 
Margaret  was  almost  in  despair  at  the  thought  of  being  cut 
oiffrom  her  home,  which  seemed  so  near,  and  could  scarcely 
refrain  from  crying  aloud  to  her  mother,  whom  she  knew 
would  be  vainly  gazing  upward  in  search  of  her.  Elsie, 
more  prudent  and  in  sober  earnest,  was  trying  to  persuade 
her  weeping  friend  to  come  under  some  shelter  before  the 
rain  should  commence.  The  eager  daughter  would  look 
down  where  she  knew  her  mother  was ;  and  long  after  all 
was  thick  darkness,  her  eyes  were  vainly  penetrating  the 
cloud,  that  hung  over  the  river.  A  sudden  breeze  springing 
up,  dispersed  some  of  the  misty  layers,  when  the  vessel  was 
leen  rising  up  out  of  the  water,  huge,  and  seemingly  removed 
far  off. 

"  She  is  leaving  me,  and  I  must  be  cut  loose  from  all  that  I 
love  ;  O,  Father !  O,  God !  send  me  help  in  this  hour  of  my 
trouble." 

Again  all  was  cloudy.  Elsie  here  took  hold  of  the  young 
Lady's  arm,  drawing  her  gently  to  the  ground,  beside  herself, 
while  she  pointed  to  the  ledge  of  flat  rock  near  them,  where 
the  hated  Indian  stood,  gazing  in  the  same  direction  with 


152  THE   DTJTCH   DOMINIE. 

themselves;  and  evidently  absorbed  in  the  movements  of 
the  ship,  which  his  keener  eye  still  saw  through  the  thick 
mist. 

This  was  enough,  the  frantic  voice  of  Margaret  was  calmed 
in  an  instant.  Fear  rushed  through  her  bosom  like  the 
gust  of  wind  that  swept  noisily  through  the  gorges  of  the 
mountain.  Tame  as  an  infant,  she  laid  her  head  upon  the 
lap  of  her  friend,  where  she  rested  and  recovered  her 
strength.  A  cave  that  Elsie  knew  of,  where  she  and  her 
cousin  had  once  taken  shelter  during  a  storm,  was  the  place 
to  which  she  determined  «o  remove,  immediately  after  the 
sun  had  passed  his  height.  In  the  meantime  they  lay 
close  to  each  other,  near  the  spot  where  Teuni.s  had  left 
them,  still  overlooking  the  grand  valley  of  the  Hudson.  It 
was  a  small  place  to  lie  easy  in,  but  the  fear  of  being  seen, 
by  eyes  which  they  knew  were  near  and  watching  every 
movement,  made  them  lie  close. 

Margaret,  gradually  recovering  from  the  agitation  caused 
by  the  sight  of  the  ship,  was  anxiously  watching  the  face  of 
her  friend,  to  read  from  that,  if  possible,  what  her  own  fate 
might  be. 

u  Elsie,"  said  the  partially  excited  girl,  "  say  something 
good  to  me  in  your  own  language.  Something  that  your 
kind  minister  says — that  Dominie  you  speak  of.  It  must  be 
good,  for  it  makes  you  so  kind." 

"We  might  sleep  one  hour  till  the  shower  be  past.  When 
the  sun  comes  out  after  rain,  it  always  makes  me  feel  strong," 
said  the  Dutch  girl;  "and  gratitude  to  the  Creator  makes 
me  still  stronger." 

"And  I  am  stronger  now  that  you  are  speaking.  Tell  me 
what  you  have  learned  that  is  good  for  me  to  hear." 

Elsie  repeated  in  Dutch : 

"  '  Ik  zal  in  brede  t'  samen  nederliggen  ende  slapen  ;  want 
gy  o'  Heese  alien  zult  my  doen  zeker  womeen.'  The  English 
of  that  you  no  doubt  know.  I  will  both  lay  me  down  in 
peace  and  sleep." 

"  Oh,  yes,"  said  Margaret ;  "  '  For  thou  Lord  only  maketh 
me  dwell  in  safety.'  I  have  read  that  in  the  Psalter." 

"  Lie  still,  Miss  Clinton,"  said  Elsie,  in  a  whisper,  "  for  an 
Indian  has  ears  quicker  than  a  white  man,  and  a  thick  cloud, 
I  have  heard,  gives  out  strange  sounds.  Hark !  there  are 
voices  not  far  off  from  us.  Let  us  trust  in  God  Iik3  Jacob 
when  he  lay  with  a  stone  for  his  pillow,  while  troops  of 
angels  were  looking  down  on  his  face,  keeping  his  eyelids 


BLESSED   ARE   THE   PURE   IN   HEAET.  163 

quiet  and  his  heart  from  beating  too  hard.  Hush  !  There 
they  are  again.  Hush  !" 

In  this  way  they  lay  till  all  was  quiet,  when  both  fell  asleep  ; 
Margaret  dreaming  of  home.  A  ship  sailed  beautifully  be- 
fore her  dreaming  fancy,  and  the  whole  world  was  gay  for 
a  moment,  suddenly  to  be  overcast  the  next.  As  for  Elsie, 
phe  was  too  well  aware  of  the  danger  to  allow  herself  to  be 
overcome  by  sleep  so  as  to  dream.  She  merely  slumbered  ; 
for  all  the  time  of  this  calm  she  was  planning  in  her  mind 
what  would  be  the  best  way  of  escaping  out  of  the  toils  which 
she  was  certain  must  be  spread  already  around  them.  Pru- 
dence said,  wait  till  night  throws  over  you  his  thick  cloud, 
unless  the  present  mist  continues,  when  the  chances  may  be 
quite  as  good.  Besides,  she  felt  as  if  Teunis  would  return 
again  during  the  day,  and  perhaps  bring  aid  with  him, 
when  it  would  be  best  to  remain  where  she  would  be  in  the 
way. 

When  Margaret  awoke,  the  rain  had  blown  past,  and  the 
mountain-tops  were  clear,  while  all  below  was  in  terrible 
commotion.  The  storm  had  descended,  and  was  then  raging 
in  its  fury.  The  two  refugees  felt  refreshed,  and  exulted  in 
feeling  at  the  sight ;  and,  placing  themselves  in  a  narrow 
cavity,  which  hid  them  on  all  sides  and  left  the  view  to  the 
east  still  open,  they  sat  down  to  contemplate  the  scene  at 
their  feet,  like  the  goddesses  of  the  storm. 

"Do  the  storms,"  said  Margaret,  "  continue  so  much  longer 
below  than  they  do  up  here  ?  I  have  always  supposed  that 
there  was  more  rain,  winds  and  vapors  on  the  hills  than  on 
the  plains." 

"There  are  sometimes  great  hurricanes  up  here  when  they 
are  safe  below ;  but  it  seldom  happens  that  any  one  has  the 
chance  of  seeing  such  a  storm  as  that  from  this  height.  See 
there,  how  the  thunder  is  bursting  out  of  that  darkness. 
Look — oh,  look  !  how  these  lightnings  break  out  on  all  sides. 
Do  you  see  that  flash  there,  Miss  Clinton  ?" 

"Really,  dear  Elsie,  that  is  majestic.  They  seem  lika 
serpents  rolling  themselves  in  the  dust  raised  by  an  earth 
quake." 

"  Or  rather,  my  lady,  like  what  we  read  of  Sinai,  that  sen, 
forth  thunclerings  and  lightnings  and  a  thick  cloud." 

"Yes,  Elsie,  there  it  comes  sailing  along  from  the  north, 
like  a  great  admiral  ship.  How  calm  and  powerful  his 
advance!  Now  he  comes  more  swiftly.  The  sight  of  the 
conflict  impels  him  forward.  Now  he  will  speak.  He  in 

1* 


TliE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

charged  with  fire  and  wrath.  Why,  the  whole  Armada  run 
at  his  approach." 

"No,"  said  Elsie,  taking  up  the  enthusiastic  language  of  the 
proud  girl  of  the  Queen  of  the  Seas,  "  they  are  but  playing 
round  your  admiral  till  they  get  a  better  place.  See  how 
they  send  their  tires  into  his  sides!  Ah!  how  the  Dominie 
would  shout  at  that,  and  clap  his  hands,  singing:  'What 
aileth  thee,  ye  mountains,  that  ye  skipped  like  rams  and  ye 
little  hills  like  lambs.'  " 

"  Ah,  I  see  my  great  admiral  has  scattered ;  he  is  in  frag- 
ments. I  have  heard  my  uncle  say  that  great  ships  were  not 
always  great  victors." 

"  That  may  be  true  :  I  know  that  great  Goliath  fell  before 
little  David,  and  a  great  king  that  shall  be  nameless  may 
learn  that  the  battle  is  not  to  the  strong.  Great  clouds  are 
but  the  dust  of  the  Almighty's  feet." 

"  Let  me  repeat  to  you,  Elsie,  words  that  I  learned  in 
school,  that  I  never  have  seen  pictured  before  my  eyes  till 
this  moment.  They  describe  a  great  battle  in  the  heavens 
between  the  good  and  the  bad  spirits: 

"  '  In  his  right  hand, 

Grasping  ten  thousand  thunders,  which  he  sent 
Before  him,  such  as  in  their  souls  infixed 
Plagues.     O'er  shields  and  helmed  heads  he  rode  ; 
Of  thrones  and  mighty  seraphim  prostrate. 

As  if  a  herd 

Of  goats,  or  timorous  flock  together  thronged, 
Drove  them  before  him,  thunder-struck,  pursued 
With  terrors  and  furies,  to  the  bounds 
And  crystal  wall  of  heaven.' " 

"  My  lady,  that  sounds  grand,  though  I  do  not  understand 
it  fully.  My  mind,  you  see,  always  runs  to  the  words  of  our 
Dominie  when  I  see  such  a  sight.  When  he  describes  the 
last  day,  when  seven  thunders  utter  their  voices,  and  when  I 
see  the  clouds  chasing  each  other  as  they  do  now,  it  puts  me 
in  mind  of  what  the  good  book  says  about  'giving  their 
flocks  to  the  thunderbolts.'  " 

"  Well,  Elsie,  I  confess  that  your  old  Dominie  and  his 
book  beats  my  Milton.  But  here  comes  a  new  turn  in  this 
divine  panorama.  There,  the  scattered  troops  are  wheeling 
into  squares,  just  as  I  have  seen  in  Hyde  Park  on  a  review 
day,  when  the  several  regiments  moved  to  the  rendezvous ; 
while  the  numberless  spectators,  like  those  broken  masses 
that  remain  in  the  distance,  remind  me  how  the  crowd  fringe*! 


BLESSED   ARE   THE   PUKE   IN   HEART.  155 

the  outside,  impatiently  watching  the  centre  till  it  would 
spread  out  again.  Do  you  suppose  that  the  army  is  about  to 
disperse  to  their  quarters,  and  leave  the  heaven  as  r.lear  as 
it  was  this  morning  ?" 

Elsie  replied  to  this  question,  that  she  thought  rain  would 
descend  in  torrents  upon  the  whole  Hudson  valley  and  this 
she  foretold  truly.  The  different  layers  of  vapor  became  one 
great  sheet,  fastened  to  the  sides  of  the  mountains  eastward, 
where  it  lay  as  in  silent  rest  for  a  short  time,  till  it  seemed 
to  move,  internally  giving  out  its  abundant  drops.  Not  a 
shred  of  the  river,  nor  a  point  of  high  ground  were  seen  ; 
and  yet  the  sun  was  shining  above  High  Peak,  and  to  the 
west  of  where  the  two  spectators  stood,  for  it  was  now  an 
hour  past  meridian.  Elsie  was  the  first  to  speak,  for  she  was 
familiar  with  the  scene,  and  could  in  a  degree  foretell  what 
might  arise ;  while  her  companion  was  too  much  rapt  in  view- 
ing the  awful  mystery  beneath,  to  anticipate  the  coming 
change. 

"  Look,  Lady  Margaret !  see  in  the  south,  how  the  rainbow 
is  forming.  Now  see  again  in  the  north." 

"  Glorious !"  was  the  exclamation  of  the  enraptured  girl, 
"  if  it  forms  all  through  as  perfectly  it  will  be  worthy  of  the 
Almighty  hand  that  paints  it.  I  have  been  on  the  side  of 
the  Alps,  but  never  beheld  anything  like  this.  Hush,  dear 
Elsie,  do  not  speak,  lest  you  mar  its  perfection  by  a  breath." 
All  the  sorrow  she  had  felt  an  hour  ago  was  forgotten,  and 
lifting  herself  up,  she  whispered,  "Oh,  mother — Oh" — Ber- 
tram, she  would  have  said — "  could  you  but  see  that  bow  of 
promise,  you  would  hope  as  I  do.  You  cannot  see  it,  for  the 
rain  is  above  you." 

"  That  bow,"  said  the  proud  Elsie,  "  is  over  the  land  of  the 
rebel." 

"No  matter;  if  all  the  people  of  the  country  be  like  Teunis 
and  my  own  Elsie,  I  could  kiss  them  in  purest  love ;"  and  she 
embraced  her  friend  in  tears  and  smiles  together.  "  Alas  !  I 
was  thinking  only  of  myself  when  you  spoke  just  now,  Elsie. 
Poor  worm  that  I  am,  when  all  around  me  ought  to  lift 
me  above,  and  give  me  a  sense  of  the  greatness  of  Him  who 
has  set  his  bow  in  the  cloud,  as  the  sign  of  His  beauty. 
Can  you  read  signs,  Elsie  ?" 

"  Let  me  try  and  read  this,"  said  the  good  girl,  willing  to 
chase  the  gloom  and  despair  away  from  the  mind  of  her  com- 
panion at  a  moment  when  so  much  depended  on  energetic 
exertion.  "  There  were  thick  clouds  this  morning ;  you  began 


156  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

to  climb  these  mountain  heights  in  despair.  The  sun  came 
out  and  dispersed  the  gloom  :  Tennis  and  I,  like  the  stars. 
have  led  you  here  to  this  place  of  refuge  ;  your  enemies  are 
still  around  you,  muttering  like  the  thunder  beneath.  Now 
the  bow  of  promise  appears  and  you  will  be  delivered  from 
all  your  fears." 

"Thank  you,  thank  you,  dearest  friend;  I  should  trust, 
since  you  have  been  sent  to  me  in  this  wild  region,  like  an 
angel  from  heaven,  where  I  had  no  right  to  expect  any  one 
but  an  enemy  at  this  time.  But  see,  the  bow  has  fallen  Hat 
on  the  ground." 

"  It  is  only  the  sackcloth  cloud  that  is  spreading  out  farther 
to  the  east.  We  girls  of  the  hills  say  that  these  bright  colors 
we  see,  are  the  eyes  of  good  people  below,  shining  through 
to  their  friends  in  heaven;  and  that  black  parts  cover 
very  wicked  folks.  The  rays  of  the  sun  never  get  through 
to  them." 

The  ears  of  the  English  girl  were  not  shut  to  this  fancy  of 
her  companion,  but  her  eyes  were  the  most  awake  lest  she 
might  lose  the  smallest  change  in  the  wondrous  bridge. 

"  There,  it  rises  again,"  she  exclaimed,  "  as  it  was  before, 
as  if  Michael  and  Itnuriel  had  stood  at  its  opposite  points, 
raising  it  as  an  archway  to  the  celestial  city.  I  have  read  in 
the  Psalter  something  about  lifting  up  the  everlasting  gates 
that  the  King  of  Glory  might  enter  in." 

"  Yes,  Miss  Margaret,  and  no  grating  sound  on  these 
hinges.  How  rich  the  gilding,  and  the  form  how  perfect. 
Have  you  ever  seen  anything  like  that,  near  kings'  palaces  ?" 

"  Oh,  Elsie  !  but  see  :  like  all  earthly  grandeur  it  departs. 
Already  it  gives  way  at  the  centre  of  the  curve.  Dimness 
is  now  passing  over  the  whole  ;  what  remains  even  now  is 
more  in  memory  of  what  was,  than  in  assurance  of  what  is." 

"  True,  Lady  Margaret,  every  one  walketh  in  a  vain  show. 
That  jewel  is  gone;  so  we  must  wait  for  that  sight  which  is 
seen  in  heaven." 

"  And  are  there  rainbows  in  heaven,  Elsie  ?  Any  gems  ;;s 
resplendent  as  the  one  we  have  seen  pass  ?  Heaven  shall 
seem  more  glorious  than  ever  it  did,  alter  what  I  have  just 
looked  upon." 

"Oh,  yes,  Miss  Clinton,  there  is  a  rainbow  there  round 
about  the  throne,  in  sight  like  unto  emerald.  Our  Dominic 
would  tell  us  that  these  are  figures  of  realities.  The  ever 
lasting  beauty  of  heaven,  and  the  unfading  splendor  of  its 
viches  ;  I  have  heard  him  preach  about  the  rainbow,  when 


BLESSED   AKE   THE   PURE   IN   HEART.  1ST 

he  told  us  that  Noah  stood  on  a  mountain,  five  times  higher 
up  than  High  Peak,  and  saw  a  bow  stretching  over  a  plain 
through  which  the  river  Euphrates  runs." 

"And  what  good  did  that  do  to  his  simple  people.  Our 
parsons  tell  us  what  will  be  of  practical  good  to  us.  What 
the  better  were  you,  Elsie,  on  that  account  ?" 

"  We  were  told  by  the  good  man  that  the  bow  was  the 
signature  of  God,  put  to  the  covenant  he  had  made  with 
Noah  ;  and  that  the  bow  in  heaven  was  the  sign  of  our  salva- 
tion being  fully  secured." 

"  Ah,  I  see,"  said  Margaret,  "  and  the  good  you  obtain,  is 
in  believing  that  God  is  faithful  to  his  covenant.  That  is 
good ;  I  will  believe  in  the  sign  ;  I  feel  stronger  when  you 
speak  of  that." 

"  There  is  other  business  for  us,  dear  Miss  Clinton — look 
down  there,"  said  the  watchful  Elsie ;  and  in  the  direction 
where  her  finger  pointed  the  eager  eye  of  her  companion  was 
turned,  when  she  saw,  to  her  horror,  Clifford  in  close  conver- 
sation with  Shandaagan  ;  and  the  chief  Kiskataam  was  com- 
ing up  toward  them.  They  were  engaged  scrutinizing  closely 
the  ground,  as  if  they  had  discovered  some  footprints.  The 
rupture  between  the  Englishman  and  the  Indian  had  been 
apparently  made  up ;  and  one  thought  filled  them  both, 
though  it  was  plain  that  as  yet  they  were  all  at  fault.  No 
question  but  they  were  on  the  trail  of  the  two  fugitives ;  and 
had  they  followed  on  in  the  direct  line,  it  would  have  brought 
them  to  the  spot  where  they  would  have  found  the  cave — 
empty ;  for  a  few  feet  further,  and  the  girls  were  prepared 
to  swing  themselves  over  the  face  of  the  precipice,  as 
foxes  do,  when  pursued  by  hunters.  But  the  pursuers  lost 
track  of  their  game  at  the  point  where  they  were  seen.  Elsie 
had  made,  extempore,  out  of  her  under-dress,  two  pairs 
of  moccasins,  which  had  no  special  form  after  a  human  foot, 
and  they  completely  stultified  the  red  man,  who  could  not 
decide  the  kind  of  animal  to  which  it  belonged. 

What  more  particularly  diverted  their  attention  at  this 
critical  moment,  was  the  sound  of  Teunis'  horse's  hoofs 
along  the  rocky  path.  The  two  Indians  glided  out  of  sight, 
so  as  to  elude  suspicion,  leaving  Clifford  to  have  an  interview 
with  the  young  Boerman  alone,  which  ended  so  as  com- 
pletely to  change  the  whole  front  of  the  affair,  and  save  tho 
two  fugitives  from  making  a  desperate  venture  in  another 
direction. 


158  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

A  TEIAL   OF  FAITH   AND   FORTITUDE. 

**  Fifty  thousand  pannier  loads  of  devils,  with  their  tails  chopped  off  by  the  rtunpa, 
could  not  have  made  so  diabolical  a  scream  *f  it." — TRISTRAM  SHANDY. 

NIGHT  came  gratefully  to  the  fugitives,  and  Elsie  had,  in 
her  own  mind,  determined  to  get  down  into  the  valley,  and 
reach  early  some  place  of  refuge.  How  to  get  through,  when 
enemies  were  ai'ound,  so  quickin  eye  and  ear,  was  the  question 
that  came  up  to  her  lips.  Her  knowledge  of  the  Indian  cha- 
racter, and  her  present  acquaintance  with  the  cause  of  Miss 
Margaret's  trouble,  made  her  fully  aware  of  the  vigilance  of 
their  enemies.  Add  to  all,  the  threatened  raid  of  the  great 
Mohawk  was  near  at  hand;  so  that  should  they  escape  Clif- 
ford and  his  satellites,  they  were  in  great  danger  of  falling 
into  the  line  of  Brandt's  party.  In  that  case  Margaret 
resolved  upon  giving  up  at  once,  well  persuaded  that 
the  daughter  of  an  English  officer  must  be  safer  in  Brandt's 
hands  than  in  Clifford's.  But  then,  what  must  she,  the 
daughter  of  a  Schuyler,  expect,  but  bondage.  No  matter ; 
her  first  care  was  to  get  through  the  lines  of  Kiskataam, 
whom  she  knew  must  be  watching  with  the  eye  and  the  ear 
of  fi  catamount. 

"  Let  me  take  one  full  view  of  the  stars  from  this  high  ob- 
servatory, before  we  go  back  into  the  darkness.  I  may 
never  see  the  like  again.  What  does  your  Dominie  say  of 
them  that  does  you  good  ?  It  will  do  me  good  to  hear  it." 

"  He  says,"  said  the  honest  Dutch  girl,  "  that  were  the  sun 
always  to  shine,  we  would  lose  one  half  of  the  glory  of  the 
heavens ;  and  that  were  we  always  prosperous,  there  would 
be  no  star  dust  scattered  over  our  path." 

"I  suppose  he  adds  one  thing  more — that  if  there  were  no 
death,  there  could  be  no  heaven.  Let  us  go  :  had  I  not  been 
stolen  away,  I  would  never  have  seen  Elsie,  nor  these  resplen- 
dent scenes  that  have  risen  upon  me  this  day  from  early 
dawn  till  dewy  eve." 

At  this  instant  Elsie  almost  shouted,  and  would  have 
clapped  her  hands,  had  not  her  friend,  who  now  had  learned 
caution,  prevented  her,  when,  pointing  to  the  southward, 


A    TRIAL   OB    FAITH    AND    FORTITUDE.  J  59 

she  said,  "  the  teken  vuur  is  lighted  on  the  keekute.*  I 
knew  that  Teunis  was  true  to  his  word.  It  blazes,  see,  from 
the  back  of  that  hill.  My  mother !  we  must  find  our  way 
to  her.  The  sky  is  all  red  above  the  hill.  I  gathered  these 
pitch  knots  myself,  and  helped  my  father  to  build  the  pile. 
My  heart  and  my  hand  shall  go  together." 

"  Then  Teunis  had  not  the  promise  of  both  this  morning 
when  he  left  ?"  inquired  Margaret,  willing  to  lead  the  mind 
of  Elsie  away  from  sad  thoughts,  which,  in  her  turn,  she  now 
suffered  to  intrude  upon  her  usually  vivacious  spirit. 

"There  are  reasons,  Lady  Margaret,  which  you  cannot 
tully  understand.  I  would  not  divide  myself  from  my  coun- 
try's cause.  My  heart  must  not  be  put  on  neutral  ground, 
nor  yet  on  the  king's." 

"  King's  men  are  more  esteemed  in  London  than  other 
men,  and  Teunis  would  be  promoted  there." 

"  May  be,"  said  Elsie,  "  but  the  blood  tingles  in  our  veins 
here  at  the  sight  of  freedom  and  of  truth." 

"I  have  wondered  all  this  day,  when  I  have  heard  you  ex- 
press your  patriotism  so  strongly,  where  you  could  have 
learned  such  sentiments.  Have  you  mingled  with  others 
than  your  own  people  ?" 

"  My  dear  Lady  Margaret,  were  you  to  sit  one  day  under 
the  pulpit  of  Dominie  Schuneman,  you  would  not  Avonder  any 
more.  Oh,  I  wish  you  could  hear  him,  when  he  is  rousing 
up  the  minute  men.  How  the  fire  flies  out  of  his  eyes  when  he 
bids  them  bring  back  their  shield,  or  be  brought  back  on  it." 

"  What  makes  you  look  down  there  so  earnestly,  Elsie  ?" 
as  she  saw  the  anxious  girl  gaze  into  the  dark.  "  Tell  me  if 
you  see  anything  alarming  ?" 

"Nothing,  only  I  see  the  red  skins  are  kindling  a  fire  on 
the  flat  rock,  as  a  signal  for  their  fellow-murderers  below. 
There  will  be  hot  work  ah1  around  us  before  the  morning. 
Let  us  go,  and  trust  to  Him  who  takes  care  of  the  young 
fawns  up  here  over  these  mountains.  Kiskataam  lias  named 
you  the  Fawn.  Let  us  look  above  all  man's  power." 

They  set  out  upon  their  perilous  journey,  and  as  Els:e 
knew  that  the  narrow  road  which  runs  between  the  two 
ponds  was  most  likely  to  be  watched,  she  at  first  determined 
to  go  around ;  yet  considering  within  herself,  "  If  the  Indian 
suspects  my  presence,  he  will  guess  that  I  am  more  likely  to 
avoid  such  a  trap,  and  fall  into  the  other.  It  will  be  better 

•  "  Look  out  "  is  the  English  ;  "  keek  oot "  is  the  Scotch. 


160  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

for  me  to  go  forward  and  examine  for  myself."  So  commu- 
nicating her  plan  to  her  companion,  she  left  her,  with 
instructions  how  she  should  proceed  in  the  event  of  her  being 
kept  from  returning. 

"  Go  back,"  said  the  intrepid  girl,  "  to  where  we  have 
been  all  day.  Stand  on  the  place  motionless,  and  wait.  If 
I  am  alive,  help  will  find  you  before  noon.  Wait  here  till 
vou  see  the  Ellwand  * — those  three  stars  up  through  that  tree. 
If  I  am  not  back  then,  do  as  I  have  bid  yon  ;  and  remember 
you  are  a  soldier's  daughter,  and  God's  arm  is  with  you  in 
all  places." 

"  But,  dear  Elsie,  what  if  those  cruel  men  keep  you  from 
helping  me?  They  are  cruel  enough  to  kill  you." 

"  They  dare  not.  I  have  power  over  them  by  myself, 
which  I  could  not  have  with  you  by  my  side.  But  if  no  one 
comes  to  you,  there  is  one  who  will  help  you  at  the  foot  of 
the  hill.  Try  and  find  your  way  down  the  road  you  saw 
Tounis  take.  But  do  not  fear." 

With  that,  Elsie  went  on  into  the  dark  alone.  While  Mar- 
garet, with  a  palpitating  heart,  saw  her  depart,  it  seemed  as 
if  the  last  link  was  broken  which  bound  her  to  the  world. 
Elsie  moved  through  the  tangled  underbrush  with  the  utmost 
caution  and  quiet.  Accustomed  to  such  journeys,  she  knew 
no  fear  of  aught  except  the  danger  of  falling  into  the  ambush 
that  might  be  laid  for  her.  The  farther  she  went,  the 
slower  was  her  progress,  creeping  rather  than  walking.  Her 
present  aim  was,  if  possible,  to  get  a  glimpse  of  the  persons 
who  might  be  around  the  fire,  and  when  she  did  get  within 
sight,  Clifford  was  the  only  figure  she  could  discern.  This 
assured  her  that  the  other  two  were  out  as  scouts.  Creeping 
along  to  the  westward,  where  the  path  is  narrow,  she  judged 
it  to  be  the  most  likely  spot  for  a  sentinel  to  be  placed  ;  but 
how  to  find  it  out,  she  stood  utterly  at  a  loss  :  when,  turn- 
ing to  the  left,  close  by  the  path  on  which  she  came  down 
upon  her  father's  trail  on  the  preceding  evening,  she  went 
up  high  enough  to  let  a  heavy  stone  tail  in  the  direction 
where  Clifford  stood,  who,  startled  at  the  sound,  fired  off  his 
gun,  which  in  ten  minutes  brought  in  the  other  two.  The 
Englishman  was  evidently  in  the  greatest  consternation, 
which  rendered  him  nervous  and  made  him  act  ridiculously, 
which,  to  an  Indian,  is  always  an  unpardonable  ofience. 
They  evidently  treated  the  whole  as  the  result  of  his  own 

*  Yard-stick. 


A    TRIAL   OF   FAITH    AND   FOETITCDE.  161 

imagination,  and,  with  characteristic  coolness,  stretched 
themselves  out  before  the  fire  preparatory  to  rest.  This  was 
enough  for  the  brave  girl,  so  hastening  back  to  her  terrified 
companion,  she  communicated  the  joyful  intelligence  of  a 
speedy  deliverance. 

Margaret  was  standing  like  a  young  roe  that  had  heard 
the  shout  of  the  hunters,  and  expected  every  moment  to  hear 
their  baying  hounds  in  her  thicket.  So  near  was  she  to  dan- 
ger, that  Kiskataam  passed  the  other  side  of  the  rock  where 
she  was,  and  might  have  stumbled  over  her  had  he  taken  the 
other  side  ;  but  she  had  escaped,  and  Elsie,  kissing  her,  said  : 

"  There  shall  not  a  hair  of  your  head  fall  to  the  ground 
without  His  permission.  Brace  up  now,  my  lady,  for  wo 
have  a  long  walk  before  us  ere  the  day  dawns.  We  must  be 
quickly  into  the  clove." 

"  My  dear  Elsie,  I  am  firmer  than  you  take  me  to  be.  and 
can  stand  more  fatigue  than  you  suppose  me  capable  of.  I 
have  been  out  with  the  chase  before  now,  and  you  must  know 
that  we  English  girls  are  great  walkers." 

"  You  will  require  all  your  strength,  Miss  Clinton,  when 
you  come  to  make  the  comparison  between  those  smooth 
lawns  you  told  me  of,  and  these  humpy  roads.  Lean  upon 
me,  and  be  sure  to  notice  when  the  rags  get  loose  f)  orn  your 
shoes,  for  we  must  not  leave  a  trace  behind  us  for  these 
Indian  dogs  to  scent  us  out." 

They  were  now  fairly  on  the  way,  and  as  Elsie  determined 
that  the  safest  plan  was  the  boldest,  she  led  her  companion 
straight  between  the  small  lakes,  passing  close  to  the  fire, 
along  the  edge  of  the  pines  that  grew  in  the  crevices  of  the 
rocks.  Half  carrying  her  charge,  they  crawled  up  the  South 
Mountain,  slowly  and  carefully,  lest  they  should  loosen  any 
of  the  stones  that  lay  anchored  there,  and  so  disturb  the 
quick  ears  that  lay  watching  so  near  them.  Once  up,  they 
sat  down  to  rest  upon  the  big  rock.  The  two  maidens,  like 
two  birds  that  have  just  made  their  escape,  stood  up  on  this 
height  and  looked  down,  with  a  half  contemptuous  smile  ax 
the  superior  skill  with  which  they  managed  to  outwit  men 
of  such  reputed  cunning. 

Thus  taking  short  journeys,  and  resting  during  the  inter 
vals,  they  reached  the  gate  of  Hoogenhuisen,  where  the  first 
welcome  that  met  Elsie  was  the  leaping  of  Rover  coming 
out  to  meet  them,  who,  though  he  had  been  carefully  taught 
not  to  bark  aloud,  could  not  restrain  making  a  noise  equa»ly 
significant  and  audible. 


162  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

Angelica,  the  mother  of  the  lost  girl,  was  up,  and  seated 
at  a  fire,  which  then  was  needed  in  the  cold  of  that  October 
morning.  Her  pipe,  which  was  always  the  first  mouthful  of 
comfort  she  took  on  all  occasions,  was  between  her  teeth  ; 
while  her  eyes  settled  upon  the  growing  blaze  as  if  she  could 
read  in  that  the  fortunes  of  the  new  day.  On  the  entrance 
of  the  daughter,  she  did  not  fly  into  an  ecstasy  of  feeling,  as 
one  of  a  more  excitable  race  certainly  would  have  done  ;  for 
besides  being  a  true  daughter  of  Holland,  proverbial  for 
their  phlegm  and  slowness  of  action,  women  in  these  days 
have  learned  through  hardship  and  danger,  to  possess  their 
souls  in  patience  and  quiet.  The  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  is  equally  Calvinistic  with  the  New  England 
Puritan,  and  its  doctrines  are  equally  felt  among  the  people, 
operating  upon  them  in  producing  that  hardy  endurance,  as 
essential  in  times  of  trouble,  as  gallantry  and  courage  in  an 
onset  of  battle.  Angelica  was  a  sincere  believer  in  her 
religion,  and  acted  out  her  faith  to  the  last. 

In  reply  to  the  few  questions  put  to  her  by  Elsie,  she 
quietly,  but  evidently  in  deep  concern,  stated  that  Martin  had 
been  away  two  nights.  Teunis  Roe  had  been  up  yesterday, 
inquiring  after  things ;  he  had  left  only  in  the  darkening. 
Some  Indians  had  been  seen  prowling  about.  Tories  had 
passed  the  house  on  the  back  road.  These  were  the  days 
that  old  Martmus,  her  grandfather,  had  oiten  foretold  would 
come. 

Margaret  had  been  left  at  the  door  by  Elsie,  till  she  pre- 
pared the  way,  and  held  a  brief  conversation  with  her 
mother  before  telling  her  that  she  had  a  stranger  with  her 
that  had  fallen  into  trouble.  That  was  at  any  time  enough 
to  awaken  the  sympathy  of  the  kind-hearted  vrow.  "Let  her 
come  in,  we  will  share  what  we  have  left  with  any  poor 
wanderer." 

"  My  mother,"  said  Elsie  to  her  friend,  "  has  just  been 
repeating  one  of  her  favorite  texts,  which  gives  her  strength 
in  her  old  days:  'The  world  passeth  away,  and  the  lusts 
thereof;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God,  shall  abide  for 
ever.'  " 

"  Mammy,  here  is  a  stranger  needing  rest  and  refuge.  I 
have  brought  her  to  you,  and  you  will  be  a  mother  to  her." 
With  that  Elsie  conducted  her  new  friend  up  close  to  the 
fire,  that  the  two  might  see  each  other. 

"Tee's  welcome,  sae  lang's  I'm  here  myself;  nay  one  can 
tell  vat  te  morrow  vill  bring  varth." 


A    TKIAL   OF    FAITH    AND   FORTITUDE. 

"  Where  do  you  think  is  daddie  ?  that  you  are  sitting  at 
the  fireside  at  this  late  hour,  alone  ?"  Elsie  had  her  doubts 
all  along  that  her  father  was  entrapped  in  some  way  ;  but 
ehe  hoped  still  that  his  absence  might  be  voluntary. 

"  Nefer  sene  hemme  since  tee  was  here  dat  nicht,"  said  the 
sad  mother,  as  she  blew  out  a  double  mouthful  of  the  srnoke 
that  she  had  been  keeping  in  till  the  question  was  wholly 
asked. 

The  answer  was  a  thunder-stroke  to  the  affectionate  daughter, 
but  she  was  too  good,  and  too  wise  a  comforter,  to  suggest 
more  fears  than  were  already  preying  upon  the  mind  of  the 
anxious  wife ;  so  inwardly  revolving  the  different  views  of 
affairs,  as  they  came  up  rapidly  in  her  mind,  she  felt  that  the 
best  plan  for  the  present  was  to  rest  till  daylight,  and  then 
act.  So  taking  Margaret  by  the  hand,  she  led  her  up  a  back 
stair  to  the  chamber  above. 

"  You  must  feel  for  the  bed,  my  dear  lady ;  misery  has  no 
choice.  Lie  down,  but  be  ready  to  rise  at  a  moment's  call. 
Never  fear,  for  though  you  be  surrounded,  you  will  escape, 
so  long  as  I  am  by  your  side. 

"  Oh,  Elsie,  dear  Elsie,  I  wish  that  I  could  lie  down  as 
contented  in  spirit  as  that  good  woman,  your  mother,  feels  at 
this  moment.  I  now  know  why  you  can  be  so  forgiving 
and  so  kind  to  me,  though  my  people  are  doing  you  such 
injury.  Hush !  I  want  to  hear  your  mother's  voice  praying, 
though  I  cannot  understand  her  words.  You  will  interpret 
them  for  me." 

Angelica,  immediately  below,  was  saying  in  her  own  lan- 
guage, "  Looft  den  Heere  myne  ziele  en  all  wat  binnen  in  my 
is  zynen  Hieligen  name." 

"  What  does  your  good  mother  say,  Elsie  ?  I  love  to  hear 
her  voice." 

The  kind-hearted  daughter,  who  was  weeping  to  herself, 
and  wishing  to  hide  her  feelings  from  her  companion,  could 
scarcely  articulate  an  answer.  "  She  is  full  of  gratitude,  Miss 
Clinton,  to  think  that  I  am  spared  to  her,  and  the  words  you 
heard  her  utter  were,  '  Bless  the  Lord,  oh,  my  soul,  and  all 
that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  name.'  Sleep,  my  Lady 
Margaret,  for  we  must  be  up  betimes,  and  work  for  liberty 
and  life ;  judging  from  all  that  I  see  on  the  earth  and  in  the 
sky." 

Morning  rose  upon  the  world,  in  many  parts  as  it  had 
done  before  ;  but  these  quiet  regions,  which  knew  no  memo- 
rable change  before,  had  a  new  page  added  to  their  history 


164  THE   DUTCH  DOMINIE. 

All  over  the  mountains  to  the  westward  were  seen  pillars  of 
smoke,  which  plainly  indicated  the  approach  of  the  dreaded 
Brandt,  from  the  fields  of  blood  -on  which  he  had  been  com- 
mitting havoc.  Elsie  had  risen  from  the  side  of  the  weary 
fugitive,  and  was  surveying  the  scene  around,  so  as  to  deter- 
mine the  course  of  that  day.  She  had  some  hope  that  Teunis 
might  come  to  her  aid,  for  she  saw  herself  completely  sur- 
rounded. Her  heart  for  a  moment  misgave  her.  Had  she 
done  right  in  risking  all  for  this  stranger  ?  Might  she  not  be 
Bent,  so  that  she  would  become  a  hostage,  and  so  insure  the 
safety  of  her  own  people  against  Brandt.  Would  it  not  bo 
well  to  retain  this  lady  ?  "  No,  God  forbid,"  was  her  im- 
passioned ciy.  "  Providence  has  placed  her  under  my  care. 
Neither  parents  nor  enemies  would  approve  of  treachery ;  no, 
nor  the  Dominie,  nor  my  own  heart.  And  now,  that  every 
hour  in  the  company  of  this  young  lady  has  made  me  more 
in  love  with  her,  I  will  act  out  my  feelings  and  my  con- 
victions and  hope  for  the  best." 

As  these  reflections  gave  place  to  resolutions  of  good 
intention,  she  felt  stronger,  and  was  ready  to  perform  what- 
ever duty  came  first  to  hand  ;  nor  was  she  long  in  finding 
out  work  to  do.  She  stood  up  to  her  full  height  on  a 
jutting  point  of  the  rock,  in  the  grey  mist,  and  to  a  stranger 
in  these  parts,  who  had  never  seen  an  object  through  a  cloud, 
she  would  have  appeared  of  gigantic  size.  Her  hair  as  yet 
was  untied,  and  hung  over  her  shoulders ;  the  loose  dress 
which  she  had.  on  flew  forward  in  the  wind,  while  her  excited 
feelings  gave  her  an  earnestness  of  manner  which  could  not 
be  hid,  even  by  the  misty  veil  around  her.  Lifting  up  her 
arms  to  the  Almighty,  whom  she  recognized  alone,  she 
invoked  His  blessing  on  her  and  on  her  parents  in  that  day 
of  trial.  "  Send  us  a  deliverer,  O  God ;  give  me  wisdom 
and  courage,  power  and  patience  to  guide  and  be  guided 
through  our  perplexity  and  danger." 

Turning  her  eyes  downward,  she  plainly  saw  a  strange 
figure  approaching  the  place  where  she  stood.  In  the  mist 
it  seemed  also  of  gigantic  size,  but  that  did  not  deceive  her, 
accustomed  as  she  was  to  judge  by  things  around  her ;  still 
the  man  who  drew  near  could  not  be  an  Indian,  from  his 
walk ;  nor  was  he  a  native  of  these  regions,  as  indicated  by 
bis  gait  and  dress.  He  did  not  bend  forward,  as  all  those 
do  who  have  climbed  up  hills  from  their  infancy ;  and  his 
garments  were  worn  with  an  air  which  showed  that  he 
knew  what  was  dignified  and  becoming,  though  he  affected 


A   TRIAL   OF   FAITH   AND   FOBTITUDE.  1G5 

to  despise  both,  from  the  loose  way  in  which  the  long  grey 
cloak  he  had  on  was  thrown  around  him.  Elsie  was  not  afraid 
when  she  came  to  see  who  it  was ;  for  she  knew  the  Hermit 
of  the  Hollow,  who,  at  that  moment,  was  most  welcome. 
She  of  all  the  young  women  of  the  hills  was  his  especial 
favorite,  and  indeed  the  only  one  who  met  him  heartily, 
and  not  with  pity.  She  had  sat  with  him  for  hours,  hearing  his 
tales  of  other  countries ;  asking  him  questions  which  did  not 
intrude  upon  his  own  affairs ;  and  anticipating  his  wants  in 
such  a  way  as  to  impress  him  with  a  high  regard  for  her 
natural  ability,  which  he  took  great  pains  to  elicit  and  foster. 
He  was  a  many-sided  man,  and  had  to  be  studied  carefully, 
which  all  could  not  do,  and  were  accordingly  repulsed  by 
him,  so  as  to  make  some  believe  him  mad,  others  a  fool,  and 
not  a  few  that  he  was  a  spy  upon  the  country,  and  in  league 
with  the  Indians.  Elsie  believed  him  to  be  sound  in  head 
and  in  heart,  except  on  one  point,  a  burning  revenge  against 
some  object  of  his  hatred,  that  haunted  him  night  and  day. 
All  her  sagacity  could  never  find  out  the  direction  to  which 
that  passion  pointed ;  so  that  she  had  come  to  suppose  that 
it  was  in  his  own  imagination. 

"  I  have  been  searching  for  you,  Elspeth,  and  have  found 
you  where  other  eyes,  less  kind  than  mine,  might  have  seen 
you.  Do  you  know  that  these  hills  are  crowded  just  now 
with  your  enemies,  and  a  ball  could  have  brought  down  the 
Maid  of  Hoogeuhuisen  without  any  one  being  able  to  tell 
whence  it  came?  How  often  have  I  told  you  to  keep  below 
the  rocks,  instead  of  standing  on  them." 

"  There  are  times  when  fear  should  not  interfere  with 
duty,"  said  Elsie,  "  and  this  hour  is  one  of  them." 

"  I  have  waited  for  you  two  days.  Have  you  lost  con- 
fidence in  me?  Where  is  the  token  of  my  friendship  and  of 
my  power,  that  you  neither  brought  it  nor  sent  it  to  me  ?" 

Elsie  blushed  at  these  words,  which  were  intended  as  a 
reproof,  for  something  understood  between  them  ;  but  turn- 
ing to  her  visitor,  she  told  him  that  it  was  impossible  for  her 
to  have  come.  He  must  take  her  word  without  any  explana- 
tion just  now ;  but  here  was  the  token  still  safe,  and  now,  if 
he  could  help  her,  the  time  had  come. 

"  Yesterday  is  past  and  gone  ;  to-day  there  will  be  blood 
and  tire.  For  that  you  must  be  ready.  I  have  come  to 
warn.  The  enemies  of  your  country  and  of  your  house  are 
near.  You  have  just  time  to  hide  before  they  be  on  you. 
Hear  them  now  on  their  way  to  the  Dog  Pool,  where  Martin 


L68  THE   DUTCH   DOMES  ,3!. 

is  bound  a  prisoner.  They  will  bring  him  round  here,  that 
they  may  gloat  their  vengeance  in  seeing  him  lament  over  his 
burning  home.  But,  Elspeth,  the  day  of  vengeance  is  at  hand  ; 
I  saw  my  enemy  in  my  sleep,  writhing  in  agony ;  I  could 
have  brought  him  down  with  my  gun  this  morning  ;  but  no, 
I  shall  wait  a  while  yet,  that  the  sweet  morsel  may  become 
sweeter.  I  am  enjoying  it  in  the  prospect  so  much  that  I 
am  sorry  that  the  time  is  so  near  when  I  shall  swallow  it. 
Like  the  wildcat  that  I  saw  yesterday,  playing  with  the 
rattlesnake,  I  will  sport  around  him,  mortify  him,  goad  him 
to  death,  and  then  smite  him."  Here  the  infuriated  man 
turned  to  the  place  where  the  gathering  was,  around  the  flat 
rock ;  shook  his  closed  hand,  gave  a  wild  shriek,  and  left  the 
place,  for  Elsie  to  reflect  alone  upon  what  she  had  seen  and 
heard  from  him. 

Whatever  opinion  Elsie  had  of  the  rapture  of  vengeance 
which  this  mysterious  being  indulged  in  at  the  close  of  this 
interview,  she  understood  the  warning  in  a  literal  sense,  and 
made  haste  to  take  advantage  of  the  time  allotted  to  her. 
Angelica  was  immediately  informed  of  the  necessity  of  the 
case.  The  most  valuable  part  of  the  property  had  already 
been  hidden  away;  china  ornaments,  and  a  full  tea-set  that 
Skipper  Van  Vrankin  brought  home  from  the  Indies  as  her 
mother's  marriage  present.  A  silver  teapot  was  rolled  up  in 
a  flannel  undershirt  of  Martin's,  that  he  might  have  something 
clean  and  warm  to  put  on  if  he  lived.  A  satin  gown  that  had 
been  but  twice  worn,  and  was  carefully  aired,  spring  and 
fall,  and  kept  for  Elsie,  when  she  married,  was  put  into  an 
earthen  pot,  and  sunk  into  the  deep  soil  of  the  garden.  A 
huge  pile  of  bedding  that  had  long  stood  in  a  corner,  from 
the  floor  to  the  ceiling,  with  other  articles  of  warm  clothing, 
which  hung  on  hooks  and  nails  along  the  walls  and  on  the 
joists,  so  that  scarcely  a  vacant  spot  could  be  seen ;  and 
these  were  the  special  idols  of  Angelica's  fancy.  She  kept 
looking  into  that  room,  saying,  "  awee  !  awee  !"  wringing 
her  hands  at  the  loss  of  thirty  years'  labor.  Xo  wonder 
though  the  careful  housewife  should  have  for  a  moment  given 
way  to  sorrow,  when  she  thought  on  all  her  plans  being  thus 
blasted  in  a  morning.  Elsie  reminded  her  mother  of  the 
Dominie's  text  the  last  time  they  had  been  at  the  kerke  of 
Kaatskill,  "  wentelt  uiven  wegh  op  den  Heere  en  ver  trourot 
op  him  :  hy  zal  »t  maken." 

*'  Tell  it  to  me  in  English,"  said  Margaret ;  "  I  need  it  as 
much  as  your  mother." 


A    TKIAL    OF    FAITH    AND    FORTITUDE.  167 

"  I  am  telling  her,"  said  Elsie,  "  to  commit  lier  way  unto 
the  Lord,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass." 

All  was  business  and  haste  beiow-stairs,  while  every  now 
and  then  Elsie  went  up  to  the  highest  part  of  the  house,  tak- 
ing a  survey  of  things  around.  The  place  from  which  she 
anticipated  the  danger  was  above  them.  Down  the  Clove 
road  she  was  led  to  expect  the  band  of  ruffians,  who  were  to 
come  with  her  father  a  prisoner,  and  her  main  object  now  was 
to  be  ready  to  receive  them  into  an  empty  house,  and  her 
mother  with  herself  and  Miss  Clinton  to  be  out  of  sight. 
Dismissing  all  the  negroes,  not  excepting  old  Noll,  by  telling 
them  that  the  Indians  were  coming,  she  took  her  mother  by 
the  hand,  and  led  her  half  forcibly  up  the  hill  at  the  back  of  the 
house,  where  the  secret  retreat  had  been  prepared  for  more 
than  two  years  ;  she  opened  the  door,  that  was  but  a  fissure  in 
the  rocks,  against  which  a  stone  lay,  as  if  it  had  dropped 
down  by  chance  ;  she  pointed  to  it  silently,  that  her  mother 
and  Margaret  might  go  in  first,  which  they  effected  by 
crawling  on  their  hands  and  knees.  Then  following  them, 
she  let  fall  before  the  entrance  a  heavy  block  of  stone,  that 
had  been  prepared  and  balanced  for  this  purpose  so  effectu- 
ally, that  it  was  both  a  natural  and  an  artificial  defence. 
Loop-holes  were  prepared  both  for  seeing  and  shooting 
through  ;  and  from  the  position  of  the  fortress  the  garrison 
could  overlook  whatever  was  going  on  around  the  dwelling 
below — on  the  back  road  which  ran  past  it — between  them 
and  the  back  door,  which  at  this  time  Avas  left  wide  open, 
80  as  not  to  provoke  assault. 

The  inside  of  the  hiding-place  was  a  natural  cave,  formed 
by  the  percolating  of  the  waters  and  the  action  of  the  frost 
together ;  the  latter  loosening  the  rocks,  and  the  former 
carrying  off  the  debris  ;  so  that,  in  the  course  of  time,  there 
was,  as  is  common  in  these  lower  shelves,  a  wide  subterranean 
passage-way,  which  was  kept  a  secret  from  all  except  the 
family.  Like  all  such  caves,  there  were  roomy  landing- 
places,  where  a  troop  of  men  might  lodge;  as  the  Do- 
minie said  once,  after  pressing  himself  through  the  narrow 
entrance :  "  The  gate  is  strait,  but  David  and  his  meo 
might  hide  themselves  from  Saul  and  his  forces  ;  and  let  me 
tell  you,  Martin,  it  may  become  to  thee  and  Anshela,  like  the 
cave  of  Engeddi." 

Safely  landed,  and  at  comparative  ease,  the  three  hunteJ 
women  placed  themselves  so  that  they  might  see  the  outside 
of  the  prison  through  the  stone  grating.  "NTor  war  El«u« 


163  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

without  the  means  of  defence  in  case  of  requiring  to  defend 
herself  and  friends.  There  lay  beside  her  the  long  duck-gun, 
well  loaded  with  heavy  slugs,  and  a  pair  of  large  horse-pis- 
tols, which  her  father  had  used  in  the  cavalry  when  a  young 
man,  in  the  old  French  war.  Provisions  enough  to  victual 
a  garrison  for  a  month,  and  bedding  sufficient  for  two  gene- 
rations. 

The  attack  did  not  come  that  day,  notwithstanding  they 
were  so  warned.  However,  it  was  kindly  given,  doubtless  in 
full  knowledge  of  the  enemies  abroad.  From  their  secret 
refuge  they  saw  the  two  Indians  prowling  around  all  that 
day,  and  they  had  good  reason  to  know  that  a  watch  was 
set  upon  them  through  the  night,  yet  they  all  three  slept 
and  were  rested,  when  the  light  streaked  the  crevices  of 
their  rocky  prison. 

Soon  were  heard  noises  that  increased  every  moment,  till 
ten  men  disguised  in  mock  Indian  garb  appeared.  Flannel 
shirts  to  their  middle,  notched  round ;  short  breeches, 
joined  to  leggins  of  buff  deer-skin.  Round  the  waist  they 
wore  a  belt  of  raw-hide,  in  which  were1  stuck  such  side-arms 
as  they  carried.  In  the  centre  of  this  vanguard  walked  our 
friend  Martin  Schuyler,  looking  as  calm  and  as  dignified  as  ever 
he  did  when  sitting  in  the  Consistory  of  Kaatskill  church.  His 
hands  were  cruelly  and  unnecessarily  tied  behind  his  back,  and 
his  large  soft  hat,  which  had  been  first  contemptuously 
knocked  down  on  his  head,  was,  on  his  coming  near  to  his 
door,  drawn  as  far  back  to  his  neck,  that  he  might  the  better 
witness  his  own  disgrace  and  the  destruction  of  his  property. 
They  halted  opposite  the  gate,  and  wheeling  into  the  yard, 
the  captain  ordered  a  full  stop,  drawing  his  sword,  which  he 
laid  flat  over  the  back  of  his  prisoner. 

"  Now,  you  old  Whig  sinner,"  said  the  ruffian,  "  you  see 
that  Konig  George  has  got  long  enough  arms  to  reach  you 
at  Last.  The  Dominie  has  made  you  believe  dat  you  leeven  in 
de  kloven  der  steen  rotzen  ende  verborgen  ;  but  the  nest 
is  not  too  high  for  Brandt's  claws." 

The  man  who  said  all  this  was  one  of  the  leaders,  and  one 
of  a  better  class.  His  speech  showed  that  he  felt  malice  as 
much  as  loyalty,  and  that  he  only  wanted  the  power  to  exe- 
cute a  wicked  will. 

"  Tell  us,"  cried  out  one  coarser  grained  still,  "  where 
the  old  vrowe  has  hidden  away  her  milledoleors.  We  must 
hear  them  clink,  or  by  George  and  Saint-ne  Glaus,  we  wilJ 
hang  her  up  for  smoked  mea£" 


A   TKIAL   OF   FAITH    AND   FORTITUDE.  109 

"  She  is  smoked  already,  Nick,  and  that  long  ago ;  ha !  ha ! 
L  a !"  said  a  great  ugly,  toothless  fellow,  with  a  foot  like  an 
elephant,  who  came  stamping  round  Martin,  giving  his  nose 
a  pull  that  brought  tears  into  his  eyes,  not  from  the  pain 
so  much  as  the  mortification  of  being  the  jest  of  such  hea- 
then. To  the  sudden  surprise  of  all  parties,  the  last  insulter 
received  a  back-handed  stroke  that  made  him  reel  around, 
just  as  he  was  about  seizing  the  two  ears  of  the  patient 
Boerman.  This  arrested  the  attention  of  the  whole  company, 
who  had  by  this  time  come  up,  and  were  taken  aback  in 
some  degree  at  seeing  quarrelling  in  their  own  ranks. 

"  Treason !  treason !"  shouted  several  voices  at  once. 
"  What  is  that  for,  Teunis  Roe,  that  you  strike  your 
friend  ?" 

"  I  am  a  man,"  was  the  reply,  "  as  I  have  always  been,  and 
will  not  stand  by  and  see  a  prisoner  insulted  by  meaner  men 
whom  he  would  not  have  set  with  the  dogs  of  his  flocks  in  the 
days  of  his  prosperity." 

"Blessings  on  the  Indian,"  said  Angelica,  who  had  wit- 
nessed this  acting  from  her  retreat,  and  almost  cried  out  in 
horror  at  the  manner  in  which  her  venerable  partner  was 
struck. 

As  for  Elsie,  another  of  the  same  acts  would  have  brought 
upon  him  the  contents  of  the  long  gun,  that  lay  with  the 
muzzle  in  rest ;  and  the  shot  would  have  been  sure.  But  the 
gratification  was  even  greater  when  she  saw  under  the  dis- 
guise one  that  was  willing  to  expose  himself  to  death  on 
behalf  of  her  father;  and  the  duck  gun  fell  from  her  hand,  as 
if  she  had  become  helpless  in  an  instant.  Her  eyes  followed 
that  youthful,  active  form  wherever  it  went ;  for  it  seemed 
to  her  it  was  in  every  place  where  most  needed,  though  all 
his  efforts  could  not  save  the  impending  doom  that  hung  over 
Iloogenhuisen.  While  he  was  watching  over  Martin,  keeping 
his  head  from  further  insult,  the  spark  had  been  put  to  the 
barn,  and  already  the  smoke  was  rising  from  the  roof,  shoot- 
ing up  like  the  breath  of  fiery  serpents,  fed  by  the  fuel 
beneath,  that  was  reducing  the  whole  of  the  precious  produce 
that  had  been  gathered  in  with  such  industry  and  care  by  the 
uuin  who  had  to  stand  and  look  on  the  destruction  of  his  labors. 

The  disguised  defender  turned  away  from  the  place  he 
could  not  save,  planting  himself  in  the  door  of  the  house,  as 
if  he  said,  "He  that  enters  here  goes  over  my  body.  All 
this  destruction  is  useless  and  revengeful,  and  is  not  desired 
by  the  king,  nor  yet  by  the  commander  of  the  forces,  anJ 

8 


170  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

must  bring  disgrace  on  those  who  are  engaged  in  this  day's 
riot.  Stand  back,  I  say,  as  you  value  life  and  limb." 

This  resistance  excited  the  suspicion  of  the  villain  Kiska- 
taam,  who  had  come  on  in  the  hope  that  he  might  fall  in  with 
his  victims  ;  and  seeing  the  position  that  Teunis  took,  he  sus- 
pected that  Elsie  and  her  companion  were  hidden  in  some 
part  of  the  dwelling ;  so,  stepping  up,  he  confronted  the 
guardian  of  the  threshold,  saying,  "The  double-faced  seeks 
to  hide  the  young  she-cub." 

"I  do  not  know  whom  you  call  the  young  cub,"  was  the 
tart  answer  of  the  guardsman  ;  "  but  if  it  be  Martin  Schuyler's 
daughter,  I  have  some  interest  in  her  welfare,  arid  in  the 
welfare  of  all  who  go  along  with  her;  and  we  will  go 
together,  unless  the  chief  can  hinder  me." 

With  that,  the  man  in  disguise  led  the  way  through  the 
house  that  was  so  well  known  to  him. 

Tiiis  was  taking  the  red  man  where  he  did  not  want  to  go ; 
but  since  he  saw  that  Teunis  was  bent  upon  a  search,  and  fear- 
ing that  he  might  lose  his  prey,  he  followed,  from  room  to 
room,  until  he  came  to  one  that  was  fastened  within.  The  In- 
dian was  evidently  sure  of  his  object,  and  gave  a  sign  which 
brought  Shandaagan  to  his  side,  when  he  began  to  show 
marks  of  restiveness,  and  blood  was  in  his  eye.  Teunis  stood 
at  the  door  with  pistol  in  hand,  for  he  feared  himself  that  the 
young  women  might  be  inside  of  the  room:  with  his  back  to 
the  door,  he  gave  a  shout,  calling  for  the  "Mohawk  chief  to 
come  up  and  receive  two  prisoners." 

The  cunning  Kiskataam  turned  pale  with  mortification  at 
the  defeat  of  his  plan,  for  this  was  one  of  the  main  points  of 
his  dread,  being  found  out  by  Brandt  as  one  engaged  in 
kidnapping  from  the  camp  of  their  friends.  So,  turning  on 
his  heel,  he  left  the  house  quicker  than  he  had  entered  it. 
Teunis,  well  pleased  Avith  his  victory,  and  with  his  fortunate 
discovery  of  the  vulnerable  part  of  the  redskin,  succeeded  in 
getting  a  peep  within  the  room,  and  was  satisfied  in  finding 
it  empty.  Coming  down,  he  found  out  that  a  fire  had  been 
kindled  on  the  roof,  and  that  it  was  all  in  vain  to  expect  to 
save  the  house  where  so  many  men,  worse  than  barbarians, 
were  bent  upon  its  destruction.  He  found  Kiskataam  waiting 
for  him,  who  came  up  and  said,  in  his  low,  guttural  tones : 

'"The  deer  belongs  to  him  that  has  first  trapped  it." 

"Well,"  said  Teunis,  ''it  is  mine,  for  I  have  been  here- 
first," 

Becoming  again  provoked  at  the  defeat,  he  said  bitterly .- 


A   TRIAL   OF   FAITH    AND   FOUTTTUDE.  171 

•'Young  Boerman's  tongue  cuts  like  the  north  wind  ;"  and, 
leaping  forward,  he  seemed  determined  to  examine  some 
part  of  the  house  himself,  while,  quick  as  thought,  Teunia 
shut  the  heavy  half-door,  so  that  the  Indian  fell  against  it, 
rendering  him  ridiculous  in  the  eyes  of  the  others,  who  by 
this  time  had  become  interested  in  the  contest  between  the 
white  and  the  red  man.  All  this  time,  Martin  cast  glances 
of  gratitude  upon  his  young  friend,  whom  he  now  discovered 
to  be  Teunis,  and  was  at  no  loss  to  guess  his  motive.  Thanks 
from  the  old  Whig  were  grateful  in  the  highest  degree  to  the 
Tory's  son  ;  but  it  would  have  added  a  thousand-fold  to  his 
heartfelt  joy  had  he  known  that  his  whole  conduct  was  marked 
by  eyes  that  swam  in  tears  of  love  and  pleasure,  almost  invit- 
ing him  to  come  and  receive  his  reward  while  it  was  in  the 
fullest  bloom. 

The  work  of  devastation  proceeded.  The  flames  rushed 
upward  and  onward ;  inviting  materials,  they  were  throwing 
on  to  feed  them ;  and  the  winds,  like  evil  spirits,  flew  through 
the  notches  of  the  hills,  as  if  to  concentrate  their  forces 
where  they  could  do  the  greatest  injury,  alongside  of  the  in- 
carnate fiends  who  aided  them,  howling  and  yelling  as  if  they 
gave  voice  to  the  invisible  troops  of  hell.  The  animals  which 
were  not  beaten  down  escaped,  running,  lowing,  to  the  woods, 
while  the  old  team  of  horses,  which  Martin  actually  loved 
next  to  his  wife  and  daughter,  screamed  and  shrieked  as  the 
fire  came  round  their  stalls,  adding  fearfully  to  the  din. 
What  made  much  amusement,  and  not  a  little  trouble  even 
to  the  destroyers  themselves,  was  an  army  of  well  f  ittened 
rats,  who  came  through  the  yard  around  the  feet  of  the  men, 
who  stamped  and  slashed  on  all  sides,  killing  many  and 
hurting  more.  The  Indians  especially  were  alarmed,  and 
ran  out  of  their  way  when  they  could,  in  a  manner  that 
caused  great  fun  to  their  allies,  the  mock  red  men.  On"  of 
these  huge  savages,  to  show  contempt  for  both  rats  and  Indian 
courage,  paid  for  his  temerity,  when,  seizing  two  of  tlu;se 
grey-bearded  captains,  they  caught  his  fingers  in  their  t^oth 
and  made  him  "roar  like  Garret  Abiel's  black  bull,  Smut." 

This  little  episode,  which  was  causing  such  sport  below, 
had  like  to  have  seriously  aifected  the  females  confined 
above,  through  these  frightened  creatures  seeking  a  refuge 
among  the  rocks.  Led  on  by  two  ancient  patriarchs,  they, 
were  making  their  way  to  the  crevices  in  the  face  of  the  hill, 
and  had  they  found  the  first  hole,  no  power  could  have  hin- 
dered •  but  Rover,  who  from  one  of  the  loopholes  saw  the 


172  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

state  of  things,  had  his  nature  roused,  so  that  seeking  a  pas- 
sage  in  the  opposite  side  he  came  round  to  the  front  just  in 
time  to  seize  the  leaders  by.  the  neck,  choking  them,  as  the 
main  army  dispersed  in  other  directions.  After  doing  this, 
the  faithful  creature  went  up  and  licked  the  hands  of  his 
master,  who  had  still  a  kind  word  for  his  friend. 

The  word  "  forward "  was  given,  and  when  Teunis  was 
congratulating  himself  that  Elsie  and  the  rest  were  escaped, 
he  saw  a  close  council  held  between  the  two  Indians  and 
Clifford,  who  now  made  his  appearance  on  the  stage  for  the 
first  time.  He  was  ashamed  to  be  seen,  yet  he  could  not 
trust  his  instruments  of  cruelty  even  with  the  great  promise 
of  hire  ;  and  he  durst  not  tell  the  Mohawk  chief  the  real  facts 
of  the  case ;  so  that  with  a  guilty  purpose  in  his  mind,  a  mor- 
tified pride  Jo  contend  against,  and  the  fear  of  exposure,  he 
now  became  the  most  miserable  and  restless  of  all  the  crea- 
tures around  him.  Teunis  saw  with  some  uneasiness,  that 
while  Clifford  and  Kiskataam  marched  in  the  rear,  the  other 
Indian,  Shandaagan,  was  left  behind.  No  doubt  as  a  spy  upon 
the  burning  homestead,  in  expectation  that  the  members  of 
Martin's  family  would  return,  and  discover  their  retreat. 
The  young  man  had  great  confidence  in  the  sagacity  of  Elsie, 
but  how  could  she  bafiie  the  cunning  of  three  such  kuaves  ? 


CHAPTER  XY. 

THE    SPECTRAL,   LOOKING-GLASS. 

"  That  the  dead  are  Been  no  more,"  said  Imlac,  "  I  will  not  undertake  to  maintain 
against  the  concurrent  and  unvaried  testimony  of  all  ages.  That  it  is  doubted  by  sin- 
gle cavillers  can  very  little  weaken  the  general  evidence  ;  and  some  who  deny  it  with 
their  tongues,  confess  it  with  their  fears." — JOHNSON'S  KAJSELAS. 

MARTIN  SCHUTLER  was  marched  to  the  same  camp  where 
bis  friend  Abiel  had  been  carried  the  previous  night.  Two 
of  the  Consistory,  the  friends  met  each  other  with  calm 
faces,  and  a  single  sigh.  They  were  pious  men,  and  true 
patriots ;  so  they  bore  up,  as  became  their  character,  and  all 
the  more  bravely  in  the  presence  of  their  s\vorn  enemies, 
who  looked  at  them  with  that  grim  smile  which  tries  to  hide 
the  real  feeling  at  the  root  of  the  soul,  when  success  renders 
the  position  taken  insecure,  upon  which  victory  has  placed 


THE   SPECTRAL   LOOKIXG-GLAS8.  173 

them.  What  was  to  be  done  with  these  men  ;  and  how  were 
they  themselves  to  come  out  from  behind  the  false  faces 
which  they  were  wearing  ?  "  What  if  these  two  good  men 
ever  returned ;  and  was  not  the  prospect  after  all,  that  the 
Whigs  would  triumph  in  the  end  ?" 

In  the  meantime  it  was  evident,  from  the  preparations 
making,  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  leaders  to  remain 
some  time  in  this  encampment ;  probably  because  all  the  cap- 
tives expected,  had  not  been  brought  in ;  or  that  some 
word  from  the  general  had  not  arrived.  It  was  noon  by 
this  time  and  the  Indians  were  busy  with  their  meal,  which 
chiefly  consisted  of  venison  brought  with  them,  and  parched 
corn  gathered  from  the  fields,  through  which  they  had 
passed,  where  it  stood  in  stacks,  ready  for  drawing  in  when 
the  men  had  leisure.  Apples  they  had  in  abundance,  wild 
plums  and  other  natural  fruit.  These  they  shared  freely 
with  their  white  companions,  bond  and  free.  Liquor  there 
was  none,  except  the  pure  water  brought  in  gourds  and 
skins  from  the  little  lakes  close  by. 

It  was  one  of  these  dull  drizzling  days  so  common  in  those 
high  regions,  when  the  fog  becomes  so  thick  that  it  might 
be  cut.  Nothing  could  be  seen  outside  of  the  rock,  and  to 
Buch  as  knew  the  depth  of  the  gulf  beneath,  it  was  a  fright- 
ful consideration,  that  the  thick  darkness  hid  thousands  of 
living  souls,  happy  beneath  such  a  heavy  cloud.  Moral  reflec- 
tions, however,  w^ere  not  the  kind  that  were  now  passing 
through  the  minds  of  the  men  surrounding  the  different 
fires,  kindled  for  cooking  and  for  warmth.  They  who  were 
&,round  the  crackling  branches  were  more  like  a  hunting 
party  than  persons  engaged  in  the  serious  business  of  war. 
Smoking,  eating,  singing,  jesting  and  telling  stories  were  all 
going  on  together ;  and  a  full  report  of  their  conversation, 
with  a  picture  of  the  diflferent  groups,  would  furnish  amuse- 
ment and  instruction  for  a  week.  Ever  and  anon,  as  another 
prisoner  was  brought  in,  it  produced  a  buzz  of  excitement, 
which  rose  into  madness  on  the  part  of  the  one  side,  or  sunk  the 
other  into  bitterness  and  cursing.  But,  on  the  whole,  there 
was,  at  the  end  of  an  hour,  quietness  and  resignation.  Brandt 
kept  the  wild  Tories  in  restraint ;  and  the  calm  example  of 
the  two  old  men  prevented  any  outbreak  of  anger  iVoin  the 
Whigs.  Martin  Schuyler  felt  that  he  was  one  of  the  class 
who  might  expect  the  hardest  treatment.  Placed  as  he  had 
been  on  the  outskirts  of  a  wide  camp,  his  position  required 
the  utmost  vigilance  ;  and  in  absence  of  others.,  he  had  fre 


174  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

quently  to  take  arbitrary  measures,  which  brought  on  him 
the  whole  responsibility.  That  he  now  must  bear ;  nor  were 
his  judges  the  most  impartial  of  his  fellow-men.  He  saw 
around  him  in  disguise  many  who  had  suffered  in  their  fami- 
lies, and  otherwise,  through  the  course  he  had  himself  pur- 
sued ;  but  the  current  of  events  had  thrown  the  chances  now 
into  their  hands.  He  must  submit.  Mercy  he  did  not  ex- 
pect. The  way  in  which  his  property  had  been  destroyed 
that  morning  before  his  eyes  was  only  the  glaring  light 
which  showed  him  the  way  to  his  own  personal  ruin.  He 
thought  but  little  of  himself;  and  gladly  would  he  have 
suffered  all  they  could  have  inflicted  upon  him,  were  he  sure 
now  that  Anshela  and  his  daughter  were  in  a  safe  place. 
But  how  could  that  be,  when  so  many  were  hunting  after 
them ;  and  those  hunters  so  wily,  and  practised  in  the  craft  ? 
"  I  have  seen,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  the  deer  hide  away  in 
the  thicket  for  a  short  time,  while  the  dogs  were  in  pursuit ; 
but  the  moment  the  man  arrived,  he  saw  at  a  glance  what 
all  the  instinct  of  the  combined  pack  could  not  discover." 

A?  for  Teunis,  he  wandered,  like  a  spirit  ill  at  ease,  from 
fire  to  fire,  listening  eagerly  to  all  that  was  said,  so  that  he 
might  use  the  information  he  received  as  a  guide  for  JMiax! 
movements.  His  intention  was  to  get  a  quiet  interview  '-<y  it.fr- 
Martin,  so  that  he  might  unfold  his  plan  to  him,  and  oi6t,&a? 
his  counsel ;  but  there  were  eyes  constantly  following  fimx 
Clifford  and  Kiskataam  were  seated  at  different  points  keeping 
watch  ;  still  Teunis  was  a  privileged  person,  and  they  durst 
not  interfere  with  his  liberty  without  revealing  their  own 
secrets.  By  and  by  the  young  man  became  bolder,  and 
felt  more  independence,  and  finding  himself,  after  some 
maneuvering,  by  the  side  of  his  old  friend,,  his  first  desire 
was  to  possess  the  confidence  of  Martin. 

"  J  i.cpe,"  said  Teunis,  "  that  you  do  not  think  me  capable 
of  doing  you  any  injury,  or  that  I  had  any  hand  in  what 
happened  at  Hoogenhuisen  this  morning." 

"  They  say  that  a  man  is  known  by  the  company  he  keeps, 
Teu^.ie,  my  lad.  But  you  have  your  own  reasons  for  being 
there  and  here." 

This  was  said  in  a  softer  tone  than  the  young  man  ex- 
pected, and  gave  him  courage  to  proceed. 

"  That  is  true,  my  friend,  and  the  time  will  come  when 

1  you  will  justify  my  conduct.     Be  quite  sure  that  nothing  in 

the  world  can  bring  me  to  hurt  a  hair  of  your  head,  or  " • 

His  heart  failed  him  to  say  the  rest. 


THE    SPECTRAL   LOOKING-GLASS.  175 

"  Or  that  of  Elsie,  you  were  going  to  say.  I  believe  you. 
She  is  worthy  of  all  the  blood  you  can  shed  on  her  behalf, 
Teunis ;  and  there  is  old  Anshela,  her  mother,  who  never 
shut  the  door  upon  a  dog,  and  always  left  it  open  for  you." 

The  old  man's  eyes  swam  with  tears  at  this,  and  he  turned 
round,  as  if  he  wished  to  see  how  High  Peak  was  appearing 
at  that  moment. 

"I  swear  to  protect  them,"  said  the  young  man,  in  a 
Avhisper. 

"  We  are  noticed,"  said  the  senior,  and  pointed  with  his 
finger  to  an  opening  in  the  clouds,  saying,  loud  enough  to  be 
heard,  "  The  wind  is  changing — there  is  a  change  of  fortune, 
too,  coming  in  good  time." 

But  for  the  cool  and  more  constrained  manner  of  the  old 
man,  Teunis,  in  the  inward  delirium  of  his  real  joy,  would 
have  given  vent  to  some  expression  which  might  have  caused 
him  trouble.  There  was  nothing  he  would  not  have  dared 
to  do  at  that  moment  in  defence  of  Martin  and  of  his  family. 
His  course  was  fixed,  and  the  only  consideration  with  him  now 
was,  "  How  shall  I  best  reach  the  end  I  am  seeking — show 
my  true  colors,  and  deliver  Martin's  family  ?"  Honor  and 
love  had  overwhelmed  the  ideas  of  life  and  fortune,  and  he 
could  have  faced  a  whole  tribe  of  mock  or  real  Indians  to 
battle,  were  Elsie  the  object  contended  for. 

"  We  are  watched,"  said  Martin.  "  Let  us  part  for  the 
present,  and  come  to  me  when  a  chance  presents  itself." 

At  this  point  in  their  conference,  a  movement  was  observed 
among  the  different  groups,  as  if  some  object  of  interest  had 
arisen.  Agreeably  to  Martin's  prediction,  the  wind  rose 
from  the  north,  lifting  up  the  black  cloud  that  had  hung  like 
a  heavy  sheet  behind  them,  and  was  rolling  it  up  as  a  scroll 
is  wound  around,  so  that  the  sun  was  visibly  coming  out  in 
a  clear  sky  west  of  the  mountain.  On  the  flat  rock  were  all 
the  persons  already  known  to  us,  evidently  arrested  by  some 
object  of  great  interest.  Brandt,  Clifford,  and  the  Elder 
Abiel,  stood  together  on  the  verge  of  the  cliff.  Martin  and 
Teunis  came  up  close  to  them,  so  that  they  formed  part  of 
the  same  half  circle.  When  their  attention  became  properly 
fixed,  Teunis  saw,  for  the  first  time,  what  he  had  frequently 
heard  the  old  hunters  tell  of,  the  geest  wolk  waren — the 
spirit  of  the  mist — seen  only  at  rare  times  in  these  regions. 
So  far  as  he  could  judge,  there  were  huge  masses  of  vapor 
passing  in  different  strata,  some  of  which  were  denser  than 
others.  That  which  was  nearest  to  them  at  that  moment 


176  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

was  thin  and  transparent,  reflecting  all  the  objects  which 
stood  between  it  and  the  light  thrown  upon  it  by  the  clearer 
sky  behind.  In  reality,  it  was  a  moving  mirror,  that  slowly 
passed  as  a  panorama  is  unreeled  before  a  company  of 
spectators.  There  was  this  difference  between  nature  and 
art :  the  faces  and  forms  of  the  persons  looking  on  were  the 
figures  in  the  picture  before  them,  taken  instantly  and  held 
up  to  them.  Every  one  saw  himself  distinctly,  and  his  near- 
est neighbor  only  less  vividly  drawn.  The  whole  Avas  more 
like  an  artist's  dream  than  a  reality.  It  seemed  as  if  they 
could  have  walked  out  and  touched  the  picture,  till  a  mo- 
ment's reflection  made  them  sensible  that  the  whole  was  but 
a  shadow.  Teunis  gazed  first  on  his  own  outline,  then  on 
the  tall,  straight  form  of  the  Indian,  who  stood  immovable. 
Behind  the  group  of  which  he  was  one  himself,  he  saw  those 
who  had  lain  down  on  the  laurel  bed,  and  beside  them, 
several  starting  up  in  evident  alarm;  others  were  rushing 
forward,  with  curious  and  hasty  looks  of  wonder  at  the 
strange  sight ;  and  round  the  place,  where  hemlock  branches 
had  been  woven  into  tents,  some  of  the  Indians  could  he 
seen  stooping  like  Arabs  when  an  alarm  has  been  given, 
caused  by  the  mirage  when  it  has  lifted  the  forms  of  an  enemy 
above  the  level  of  their  plains.  Be  assured  there  was  not  an 
uninterested  spectator  on  the  rock,  for  so  rare  was  the 
sight,  that  scarcely  one  of  the  whole  had  seen  the  wonder 
before,  and  those  who  had  heard  of  it  were  more  inclined 
to  regard  it  as  the  vision  of  a  frightened  imagination  than  a 
fact. 

Even  the  educated  Englishman,  Clifford,  though  affecting 
through  philosophy  a  superiority,  could  not  help  showing  an 
intense  eagerness  to  see  all  to  the  close.  He  had  read  of  the 
like  phenomena  among  the  Alpine  heights,  and  had  a  way  of 
explaining  these  to  his  own  mind ;  but  all  his  soul,  for  the 
present,  was  absorbed  in  the  one  sense — sight.  Indeed,  all 
were  more  eager  to  see  than  to  speak,  except  one  man,  a 
Scotch  highlander  among  the  loyalists,  who,  knowing  of  those 
sights  in  his  own  country,  was  anxious  to  tell  of  the  famous 
spaeman  of  Ben  Cruachan,  who  was  the  seventh  son  of  a 
seventh  daughter  in  Lochabar,  who  saw  in  the  mists  of  the 
hills  the  warning  to  Lochiel.  Donald  was  almost  out  of  the 
body  as  the  cloud  went  on,  carrying  his  own  shadow  with  it. 
He  swore  a  highland  oath  that  he  would  give  the  best  bit  of 
tombacht  in  his  spleuchan,  for  one  word  of  Luath  McGregor 
just  to  tell  what  was  going  to  take  place. 


THE    SPECTRAL   LOOKING-GLASS.  177 

"  How  the  man  wi  the  second  sight  would  Stan'  up  tber« 
afore  hersel'  the  big  chief  Brandt,  and  show  him  whare  he 
should  be  kilt.  Grat  satishfaction  it  would  be  to  hirnsel'  " 

The  Mohawk  was  deeply  absorbed.  The  sight  was  new 
even  to  him ;  born  and  living  mainly  on  the  flats  to  the  north. 
He  looked  on  with  a  solemnity  which  amounted  to  dread,  aa 
if  he  had  really  reached  the  spirit  land,  of  which  the  tradi- 
tions of  his  fathers  spoke.  His  whole  tribe  present  rose  to 
their  full  length,  expecting  to  behold  the  figures  come  out 
into  actual  substance.  Not  accustomed  to  see  themselves 
reflected  from  artificial  mirrors,  they  were  ignorant  of  their 
own  forms.  Gradually,  as  they  began  to  comprehend  the 
true  nature  of  the  appearance,  their  fear  gave  way  to  a 
silent  admiration. 

The  faculties  of  the  whole  assemblage  were  awakened 
to  the  intensest  eagerness ;  their  apprehensions  of  things 
rapid,  and  their  decisions  unhesitating.  Every  qne  had  come 
to  some  conclusion,  and  had  felt  sentiments  in  harmony  with 
his  opinions.  One  thing  was  evident — all  were  under  an 
undefined  feeling  of  superstition,  as  if  that  before  them  was  a 
writing  on  the  wall,  like  what  the  profane  king  saw,  ominous 
of  his  own  doom.  The  sheet  cloud  went  slowly  by,  figure 
after  figure  melted  into  thin  air ;  and  it  was  afieeting  to  hear 
each  one  tell,  after,  of  how  he  felt  an  internal  shiver,  as  he 
saw  his  own  body  dissolving,  before  his  eyes,  into  nothing. 
There  was  not  one  present  who  would  not  willingly  havo 
avoided  the  conclusion,  but  his  fate  was  irrevocable.  Into 
the  dark  gulf  he  must  plunge  and  be  lost — forever. 

In  a  short  time  the  whole  east  was  covered  with  the  same 
black  cloud  as  before,  while  the  Avhite,  thin  vapor,  which  had 
served  as  the  reflector,  was  wheeled  round  to  the  south,  and 
settled  against  the  sides  of  the  hill,  which  rises  bluiHy  a  few 
hundred  feet  higher  than  Flat  Rock.  There  again,  it  became  a 
new  speculum,  and  of  a  far  different  nature  from  what  it  was 
when  in  its  former  place.  Instead  of  each  individual  specta- 
tor seeing  himself,  he  saw  his  nearest  neighbor,  to  the  right 
of  him.  The  fact  had  an  influence  upon  the  events  of  that 
day  in  a  striking  manned.  Fear  and  superstition  had  given 
place  to  curiosity  ;  and,  as  a  natural  consequence  in  men  of 
their  order,  chiefly  gathered  together  through  a  spirit  of  ad- 
venture, frolic  and  fun  began  to  show  in  their  faces.  One 
tiifler,  who  had  been  the  most  cowardly  of  the  crew,  gave  a 
caper  in  the  air,  which  threw  others  into  the  same  absurd 
attitudes,  till  a  hundred  more  were  seen  dancing  round,  and 


178  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

hallooing  like  madmen.  Solemnly  and  silently  the  figures  in 
the  cloud  mocked  the  fools  outside.* 

Those  men,  however,  with  whom  Teunis  had  stood  all 
through,  were  not  inclined  to  act  in  that  pantomime.  They 
were  either  engaged  studying  the  reasons  of  those  things 
before  them,  or  quietly  observing  the  movements,  and  wait- 
ing for  the  lesson  which  nature  was  teaching.  Cliiford  was 
inclined  to  rally  the  two  old  Dutchmen  upon  their  sober 
visages ;  and  was  asking  of  them  how  his  own  face  appeared 
under  that  veil,  when,  as  if  struck  by  an  invisible  hand  on  the 
heart,  his  countenance  assumed  an  appearance  of  such  strange 
fear,  that  it  was  plain,  even  in  the  mist,  that  some  awful 
change  had  come  over  him ;  and  as  he  grasped  the  arm  of 
the  Elder  Abiel,  it  seemed  more  like  that  of  a  drowning  man 
than  the  grip  of  a  brave  soldier.  Teunis,  who  saw  that  his 
face  had  become  purple,  and  his  eyes  fixed  in  their  sockets, 
came  tip  hurriedly  to  his  side  to  support  him  from  falling,  as 
he  was  evidently  staggered ;  when,  being  on  the  same  line  of 
vision  with  Cliiford,  he  chanced  to  look  forward,  and  obtained 
a  glaace  of  a  figure  he  was  sure  he  had  seen  before,  and 
which  was  evidently  that  on  which  the  eye  of  Cliiford  was 
fixed.  It  came  from  a  higher  point  than  that  on  which  they 
stood,  and  as  if  from  a  tree  near  by,  where  a  face  gazed 
through  upon  them.  The  figure  was  as  if  a  man  stood  up, 
clothed  in  shaggy  vapor,  with  a  beard  of  enormous  length ; 
and  though  the  expression  of  the  countenance  could  not.be  de- 
fined, the  gestures  were  of  a  threatening  aspect.  Teunis,  more 
self-possessed,  looked  and  saw  the  figure  of  the  hermit  whom 
he  had  seen  lately,  gliding  away  to  the  side  of  the  cliff,  below 
which  he  disappeared  by  some  way  known  to  himself.  The 
Englishman,  recovering  from  his  surprise,  shook  off  the  friendly 
hand  of  Teunis,  asking  roughly,  why  he  held  him  so  firmly. 

"  Kindness,"  was  the  reply,  "  makes  no  choice  of  its  sub- 
jects when  they  are  falling  through  fear." 

"Who  is  afraid,  young  man?"  and  the  hand  of  Clifford 
instinctively  was  at  his  side.  "  You  need  support  yourself, 
and  you  dream  that  all  must  be  like  you." 

"  I  have  no  cause,"  said  Teunis,  "  of  being  afraid  of  him. 
He  never  had  any  harm  from  me  in  his  life.  I  have  heard 
that  those  who  injured  him  have  reason  to  tremble." 

By  this  time  the  countenance  of  Clifford  was  literally  livid 

*  The  Fata  Morgana,  seen  so  remarkably  on  the  Straits  of  Messina,  has 
been  observed  on  the  Catskilla  to  perfection.  The  vision,  as  described 
uj  the  text,  was  seen  from  the  balcony  of  the  Mountain  House  in  1845. 


THE    SPECTKJVL    LOOKING-GLASS.  179 

with  anger  or  terror,  or  a  mingling  of  these  passions;  and  he 
would  doubtless  have  done  something  dreadful  at  that  mo- 
ment, had  not  his  companions  interfered,  apologizing  for  the 
young  man's  ignorance  of  manners.  The  Mohawk  put 
his  arm  through  that  of  the  Englishman,  while  Martin  said, 
in  a  whisper :  "  Hot  blood.  Let  us  away  till  it  cool." 

None  seemed  to  know  the  cause  of  this  strange  movement 
and  in  the  rapid  current  of  things  of  a  marvellous  nature, 
none  inquired  minutely  into  them.  Teunis  felt  some  desire 
to  know,  and  passing  over  the  cliff  at  the  same  place  he  had 
seen  the  hermit  go,  he  pursued  after  him,  in  hope  of  getting 
an  explanation. 

In  the  meantime,  nothing  was  talked  of  but  the  remark- 
able vision.  The  company  were  calmed  down  to  soberness, 
for  a  short  time  at  least.  Clifford,  who  had  really,  from 
some  cause  known  to  himself,  been  the  most  startled,  now 
affected  the  utmost  lightness  of  spirit,  and  seemed  anxious  to 
turn  the  conversation  away  from  himself.  He  avoided  all 
his  companions  for  a  time  as  carefully  as  he  had  been  ready 
to  meet  them  before  ;  ashamed  of  a  passion  he  had  indulged 
in  without  cause,  he  became  talkative,  and  even  sprightly, 
with  all  around,  jesting  the  Indian  upon  his  solemn  looks,  and 
the  old  Elder  about  his  religion.  That  worthy  man,  more 
direct  and  simple  than  men  of  the  world,  traced  all  he  saw  to 
'uhe  GREAT  CAUSE  least  understood.  One  of  the  younger  men 
was  explaining  the  wonder  by  his  grandmother's  looking- 
glass,  that  she  brought  with  her  from  Holland. 

"  Maybe,"  said  Paulus  Wynkoop.  "  But  how  can  twao 
put  together  make  dem  shine  ?" 

"  You  saw  yon  black  cloud,"  said  Jack  Adams,  who  had 
taught  school  in  the  town,  and  knew  some  things  ;  "  it  was 
not  all  dark.  Behind,  it  was  light ;  that  was  the  quicksilver. 
The  other  cloud  was  the  glass,  and  our  faces  were  reflected 
from  that  surface." 

"  Well,  what  do  you  say,  Jack,  to  the  other,  where  we 
could  not  see  ourselves,  but  our  neighbors  ?" 

"  That,"  said  Adams,  "  beats  me  ;  for  I  declare  I  saw  one 
face  that  I  have  not  seen  here  this  day  ;  and  I  never  saw 
*uch  a  shape  before,  so  that  I  am  guessing  there  was  more 
in  that  cloud  than  the  Dominie  could  tell  abou  t.  I  wonder 
what  he  would  have  said  to  all  these  things  !" 

"  Oh,"  said  Martin,  who  was  near,  "  he  would  have  told  us 
about  tte  openbaring  *  and  the  shifting  scenery  Johannes 

*  Apocalypse. 


180  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

saw,  when  looking-glasses,  brighter  and  greater  than  all  those, 
revolved  round  the  heavens." 

"  And  he  would  have  told  us,"  said  the  Elder  Abiel, 
"  about  the  angel  that  sat  upon  the  cloud  with  the  sickle  in 
his  hand  ;  and  the  other  angel  that  cried,  '  zend  uwe  sikkel  en 
— for  the  time  is  come.'  That  was  a  warning  of  things 
expected." 

"  Surely,"  said  Clifford,  "  old  man,  you  do  not  call  those 
things  miracles,  since  they  can  be  all  excellently  well  ex- 
plained, without  calling  in  the  help  of  the  Creator  ?" 

"  Surely,"  said  the  Elder,  "  you  would  not  take  the 
Almighty's  works  out  of  his  own  hand ;  and  may  he  not  b« 
showing  us  what  is  going  to  happen  ?" 

"  Oh,  I  suppose  our  red  friend,  the  great  Mohawk,  saw  the 
sires  of  his  people  in  that  cloud  too,  at  their  council  fires. 
Was  my  brother  studying  the  work  of  the  Great  Spirit  ? 
Were  you  not  afraid  lest  you  should  see  the  ghost  of  your 
father,  chief?" 

The  chief  was  displeased,  and  merely  grunted  out,  "  Pale 
face  grow  paler  at  the  ghost  of  bis  father." 

Clifford  understood  this  to  be  a  direct  thrust  at  a  tender 
place  he  was  doing  his  utmost  to  guard.  He  attempted  to 
laugh  it  off,  by  saying,  "  If  our  fathers  be  reduced  to  such 
substances,  it  would  be  folly  to  entertain  fear  of  them  here, 
or  hereafter." 

**  And  you  should  honor  your  father's  name,  my  good  sir, 
if  you  would  be  honored  yourself;  you  obeyed  him  in  the 
flesh." 

"  And  you  would  add,  *  Why  not  in  the  spirit  ?'  " 

"  Yes ;  why  not  in  the  spirit  ?"  were  the  Elder's  words. 
"I  am  more  afraid  of  spirit  than  I  am  of  flesh,  though  I 
scorn  to  tremble,  as  I  have  seen  some  at  their  own  shadow." 

This  last  was  said  unwittingly,  but  it  convinced  Clifford 
that  it  was  dangerous  for  him  to  continue  the  subject ;  and 
seeing  Kiskataam  standing  aside  by  himself,  he  went  on, 
walking  slowly  to wai-d  him,  as  if  at  ease  in  mind,  while  he  was 
really  eager  to  know  from  him  what  had  become  of  Teunis, 
who  was  now  missed  from  the  rock ;  for  agreeably  to  a  plan 
laid  down,  that  young  man  was  to  be  tracked  in  every  place. 

That  prudent  youth  had  proceeded  on  the  trail  of  the 
mysterious  buing,  man,  or  shadow,  whose  spectre  had  pro- 
duced the  effect  of  terror  on  the  hardened  Clifford,  and  was 
soon  out  of  sight. 

The  main  body,  waiting  upon  the  will  of  their  leaders. 


THE    SPECTRAL   LOOKING-GLASS.  181 

were  disposed,  after  the  excitement  of  the  appearance  in  the 
cloud,  to  find  employment  according  to  their  fancy,  and 
were  watching  the  rolling  up  of  the  misty  curtain  that  hung 
over  the  land  below.  The  outline  of  the  hills  beyond,  be- 
came every  moment  more  visible,  till  at  length  the  view, 
long  and  sweeping,  attracted  every  eye,  as  if  in  expectation 
of  some  object  new  and  interesting,  when  a  cry,  "  The  ship  1 
the  ship  !"  rose  with  a  shout. 

It  was  the  Vulture  in  search  of  more  prey,  and  like  a  crea- 
ture possessed  of  instinct,  she  was  sailing  up  the  river.  She 
was  hailed  by  the  spectators  as  if  sent  for  their  special  amuse- 
ment. There  was  one  great  drawback  to  their  sympathy : 
the  ship  was  too  far  off  to  allow  the  movements  of  the 
sailors  to  be  seen,  or  the  voices  of  the  spectators  to  be  heard. 
There  was  real  pantomime  in  the  ship.  She  represented  the 
crew.  The  movements  she  made  was  the  speech,  that  was 
interpreted  freely.  Nor  was  there  any  difficulty  in  under- 
standing her  language,  when  first  a  flash  came  out  from  her 
side,  then  blue  smoke,  that  curled  upward,  followed  by  a  re- 
port that  echoed  among  the  hills. 

"  King  George  is  speaking,"  cried  out  an  excited  Tory, 
"  and  the  Baron  Livingstone  must  answer.  Ha  !  ha !  Brave 
Whig,  you  are  put  to  your  tnimps  at  last." 

"  I  wonder,"  said  Hank  Van  Schaik,  "  if  he  has  not  some 
of  Captain  Kidd's  doubloons  in  his  coffer  yet.  The  Vulture 
would  take  a  mess  and  be  gone." 

"  Shame  upon  you,  Van,  for  thinking  the  king's  officers 
would  be  bribed  by  that  old  pirate's  gold." 

"  Ho,  ho  !  is  that  ah1  you  know  of  these  things  ?  Why, 
that  old  pirate,  as  you  call  him,  had  a  good  deal  of  the  witch 
about  him,  and  might  throw  dust  in  the  eyes  of  a  captain  of 
the  royal  navy.  He  never  hid  money  but  he  killed  a  big 
nigger  beside  it ;  and  as  they  say  he  hid  a  good  sum  in  the 
baron's  house,  who  knows  but  an  army  of  blacks  may  come 
out  to  meet  the  marines,  should  they  venture  to  go  on  shore  ?" 

"  Venture !  I  guess  they'll  venture ;  and  the  king's  folk 
will  search  that  old  house  for  his  own.  I  suppose  you  know- 
that  Queen  Bess  had  an  interest  in  Captain  Kidd's  venture ; 
but  old  Livingstone  took  her  part  and  his  own.  '  The  king 
will  have  his  own  again.'  That's  the  old  song.  See,  there, 
they  have  cast  anchor,  and  a  boat  is  lowering,  as  I  am  a 
living  man.  Now  we  shall  see  fun.  I  wish  to  goodness  I 
had  wings ;  if  I  would  not  put  my  foot  on  that  roof  before 
five  minutes  were  gone." 


182  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

Clifford,  who  carried  a  small  spyglass,  lifted  it  to  his  eye, 
and  surveyed  the  vessel's  outline  and  movements.  He  then 
offered  it  to  the  Mohawk  chief,  whose  vision  was  of  that 
nature  which  sees  far  off,  so  that  he  did  not  require  aid;  but 
handing  it  to  the  Elder,  he  looked,  and  saw  that  something 
fearful  was  about  to  take  place.  All  waited  anxiously  ;  nor 
had  they  long  to  wait.  A  little  cloud  was  observed  to  rise 
above  the  ancient  mansion,  that  grew  in  size  every  moment, 
till  there  rose  a  shout  of  fiendish  joy  from  the  enemies  of  the 
Wbigs,  that  made  ihc  welkin  ring  above  them.  Tears  and 
corses,  not  loud  but  deep,  came  from,  the  other  side  at  the 
destruction  which  was  now  going  on. 

The  blaze  soon  ascended  through  the  black  smoke,  till 
there  was  nothing  seen  but  one  vs.-0*  sheet  of  red  flame,  that 
shot  up  into  the  sky  like  a  great  tongue,  invoking  the 
vengeance  of  heaven  upon  the  perpetrators  of  this  deed. 
The  spectators  had  been  so  lately  the  actors  and  the  suffer- 
ers in  a  similar  transaction,  it  seemed  b'at  the  continuance 
of  the  day's  work ;  more  especially,  when  it  was  recollected 
that  the  Schuylers  and  the  Livingstones  were  not  only  fellow 
Whigs,  but  related  in  the  same  family  ties  to  each  other. 
The  king's  ship  on  water  was  only  carrying  out  the  acts  of 
the  king's  servants  on  land.  Accordingly,  the  Tories  danced 
and  screamed,  at  the  sight,  holding  out  their  hands  like 
children  when  they  seek  to  be  warmed  at  the  fire  they  have 
kindled  themselves. 

The  sad  prisoners  were  reminded  anew  of  their  sorrows. 
and  of  the  losses  which  their  friends  were  undergoing,  and 
were  fain  to  be  silent  under  the  jibes  and  the  reproaches 
continually  thrown  out,  while  the  fire  blazed  before  their  eyes. 

"Let  us  be  patient,  Martin,"  said  the  good  Elder;  "all 
this  will  be  explained  by  and  by.  You  remember  that  the 
silver  must  be  put  through  the  fire  before  it  can  be  known  as 
the  good  and  pure." 

"  If  I  only  was  sure  that  Anshela  and  Elsie  were  in  a 
good,  sure  place,  my  mind  would  be  at  ease,"  said  the  really 
tried  man. 

"  See,"  said  the  Elder  Abiel,  "there  is  Teunis  Roe,  and  he 
seems  as  if  he  had  some  message  for  you,  as  he  is  now  sign- 
ing to  you,  not  to  me." 

It  was  so,  and  fortunate  it  was  for  them  both  that  they 
could  hold  a  consultation  unobserved.  So  eager  were  their 
guards  upon  the  sight  before  them,  that  they  had  nearly  for- 
gotten  the  prisoners ;  and  Teunis  was  so  sensible  of  this,  that 


THE   SPECTRAL   LOOKING-GLASS.  183 

he  hinted  to  Martin  the  possibility  of  escaping.  But  that 
oculd  not  be  after  the  word  of  honor  he  had  passed  on  that 
day  to  Brandt. 

The  eager  young  man  urged  this  till  Martin  grew  angry, 
and  told  him  that  if  he  had  no  better  comfort  to  give  him 
than  that,  he  might  go ;  all  he  asked  was  help  for  his  family  ; 
if  he  could  in  his  conscience  give  it  when  an  opportunity 
occurred. 

"  I  think  it  is  possible,"  was  the  reply  of  the  humbled 
youth,  "  if  you  confide  in  my  honor,  aud  tell  me  where  is 
your  Binenkamerin." 

Had  Tennis  struck  the  old  man  on  the  face,  it  would  have 
caused  far  less  surprise  than  asking  him  where  his  secret  cham- 
bers were  ;  first  that  he  should  suspect  their  existence,  and 
next  that  he,  the  son  of  his  enemy,  should  inquire  after  them. 
But  checking  himself,  he  merely  replied  : 

"  You  demand  Avhat  even  my  best  friend,  the  Elder  there, 
would  not  venture  to  know  about ;  and  you  will  have  to  give 
me  very  good  reasons  indeed,  young  man,  before  I  answer 
your  question  now,  though  I  be  a  prisoner  of  Brandt  and  of 
your  king." 

Teunis  hung  his  head,  knowing  that  he  had  so  far  forfeited 
the  confidence  of  Martin,  by  asking  him  to  violate  his  word 
of  honor ;  but  the  case  was  too  urgent  to  stop  short  at  this 
point.  He  had,  as  we  saw,  followed  the  Hermit  down  the 
face  of  the  cliff,  unobserved  by  any  one,  during  the  time  all 
were  attracted  to  the  vision  on  the  cloud  ;  and  being  swift 
of  foot,  he  soon  came  up  with  the  mysterious  man,  who 
seemed  aware  of  being  followed,  and  suddenly  turning,  he 
demanded  why  Teunis  tracked  his  steps. 

"  Pardon  me,"  said  the  youth  ;  "  but  you  told  me  to  come 
and  get  some  information  of" 

"  Oh,  yes.  You  come  now  when  you  cannot  help  it.  Like 
all  the  selfish  race  of  mankind ;  very  complacent  and  yielding 
when  difficulty  appears." 

"  I  ask  pardon  again,"  said  Teunis  ;  "  I  am  now  ready  to 
follow  your  directions.  If  you  know  anything  about  them, 
relieve  my  siispense,  and  teh1  me  what  I  should  do  ;  and  your 
will  is  my  law  in  this  matter." 

"  Others  as  well  as  yourself,  young  man,  are  interested  in 
knowing  these  things.  Remember  that  selfishness  is  the  bane 
of  life.  A  well  becomes  foul  when  only  one  draws  from  it." 

"  And  yet  the  spring  at  your  cabin  door  is  always  t>3ear,' 
was  the  prompt  reply  of  the  young  inquirer. 


THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  That  is  more  than  can  be  said  of  the  spring  in  every  heart, 
young  man ;  and  if  I  may  judge,  yours  is  not  entirely  pure  m 
the  matter  nearest  to  it.  Did  you  see  those  shadows  in  the 
mist  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  your  face  more  strikingly  than  the  others.  Tell 
me  why  that  Englishman  trembled  before  it  ?" 

"  Ask  things  you  have  a  right  to  inquire  after,  but  pry  not 
into  my  secrets,"  was  the  fierce  answer  of  the  man.  "Know 
this,  that  conscience  is  a  great  revealer  of  truth ;  and  that 
villain  thinks,  though  he  affects  to  believe  in  nothing,  that  he 
saw  a  real  spectre.  You  will  see.  But  your  business  is  of 
another  nature  than  mine." 

"  I  am  anxious,"  said  Tennis  humbly,  "  to  know  where  I 
may  find  Elsie  Schuyler  and  her  present  companion." 

"  You  do  well  young  man  in  putting  them  together  ;  and 
the  object  of  your  affections  first.  I  do  not  find  fault  and  I 
will  help  you  in  this ;  seek  out  the  place  which  the  Dutch 
people  call  their  Bineukamerin." 

Having  said  this,  he  turned  and  moved  away  at  a  rapid 
pace,  cutting  off  all  further  colloquy.  Tennis  was.  here 
Drought  to  a  complete  stand,  for  well  as  he  knew  all  the 
apartments  of  Hoogenhuisen,  he  was  entirely  ignorant  of  the 
secret  places  about  it :  nor  would  he  venture  to  guess,  nor 
even  now  to  search  after,  lest  he  might  reveal,  what  he  knew 
should  only  be  known  to  the  tried  friends  of  the  family.  As 
the  surest  and  most  effectual  method,  he  resolved  to  find  out 
the  hiding-place  from  Martin  himself;  and  we  have  seen  the 
first  reception  he  met  with  from  that  worthy. 

Teunis,  however,  had  gone  too  far  to  be  beaten  back ;  so 
he  persevered  in  his  inquiries,  after  relating  an  account  of  the 
interview  he  had  just  had  down  in  the  glen  below.  Martin 
listened  throughout  with  deep  interest,  becoming  deeper  every 
moment ;  when  at  the  conclusion  of  the  narrative  he  said  : 

"  It  is  true  that  that  man  has  had  a  wonderful  influence  over 
Elsie's  mind,  for  some  time  past.  She  has  spent  whole  days 
in  his  cabin,  and  if  any  one  knows  of  our  hiding-place,  be- 
sides the  Dominie,  out  of  the  family,  it  is  likely  he  does.  I 
will  trust  you,  since  the  case  is  desperate." 

"  I  will  swear,"  said  Teunis  rising  from  his  seat  with  grcal 
fervor. 

"  Swear  not  at  all  young  man,"  said  Martin.  "  I  wil1 
trust  you  without  an  oath.  You  will  stand  at  the  back  door 
of  Hoogenhuisen — but  awee !  awee  !  there  is  no  door  there 
now,"  and  the  old  man's  eyes  swam  in  tears,  as  he  seized 


THE    SPECTRAL   LOOKING-GLASS.  185 

the  hand  of  Tennis.  "You  will  stand  where  we  met  tliis 
morning  and  look  straight  southward,  and  you  see  a  three- 
cornered  stone,  half  standing  against  the  face  of  the  hill  ; 
there  seek,  lift  the  loose  stones  at  your  feet,  and  you  will 
see  the  rest.  Go  off  now,  while  all  these  men  are  so  eager 
upon  their  sport,  and  come  back  when  you  have  good  news 
to  tell ;  I  will  know  when  I  see  you  here  that  all  is  well." 

After  a  sufficient  time  to  prevent  suspicion,  Teunis  left, 
going  by  the  way  of  the  cliff,  where  the  main  body  were  still 
standing  looking  down  upon  the  ship  and  the  burning  house, 
just  to  show  himself.  He  spoke  to  those  he  knew  best,  pass- 
ing by  ClhTord  near  enough,  to  let  him  look  in  his  face,  which 
seemed  hollower  than  when  he  saw  it  last.  He  tried  to  get 
a  glimpse  of  Kiskataam,  and  his  shadow  Shandaagan,  but 
not  seeing  them,  he  felt  the  necessity  of  being  on  the  lookout 
for  them  all  the  way  to  Hoogenhuisen,  to  which  he  bent  his 
steps  hastily,  reaching  it  before  dark.  From  the  directions 
he  had  received,  he  found  no  difficulty  in  entering  the  hiding- 
place.  He  made  his  way  into  the  back  chamber  ;  where  lie 
found  traces  of  recent  habitation  ;  blankets  and  quilts  lay 
around,  in  places  which  had  served  as  beds ;  and  there  stood 
three  stones,  which  had  been  used  as  seats.  He  had  hopes 
now  of  finding  the  fugitives,  so  crawling  through  a  subter- 
ranean passage,  calling  now  upon  Anshela,  then  upon  Elsie, 
in  a  loud  whisper  all  the  way,  as  he  went,  without  obtaining 
an  anwer,  he  concluded  that  they  had  made  their  escape  to 
some  other  place  of  refuge ;  and  as  be  could  not  discover  any 
signs  of  a  struggle  he  had  hopes  of  their  entire  safety.  In  a 
corner  where  some  straggling  rays  of  light  came  through  a 
chink  in  the  rock,  he  discovered  a  Bible  that  he  had  given  to 
Elsie  on  her  birth-day ;  opening  it  he  found  a  mark  pointing 
to  a  passage  which  he  interpreted  as  a  message  to  himself. 
It  ran  thus  :  "Return,  return,  O  Shulamite,  that  we  may  look 
upon  thee.  What  will  you  see  in  the  Shuhunite  ?  As  it  were 
a  company  of  two  armies."  The  tear  filled  the  eyes  of  the 
reader,  as  he  saw  how  anxiously  he  had  been  waited  for,  and 
how  lately  they  had  been  there  looking  for  Mm.  As  he  sat 
musing,  and  chiding  himself  without  reason,  wondering  in 
what  way  he  could  serve  these  distressed  females,  he  became 
sensible  that  some  living  thing  was  moving  around  on  the 
outside.  Rising  up  quietly  and  cautiously,  he  made  his  way 
to  the  nearest  opening,  listening  anxiously  till  all  was  quiet, 
when  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  standing  on  the  rear  of  the 
place,  and  then  took  a  rapid  glance  all  round  him  in  search  of 


186  THE    DUTCH    DOMTNIR. 

some  one.  In  a  few  minutes,  to  his  horror,  who  should  appea* 
but  his  hated  enemy  Kiskataam.  They  faced  each  other  witn 
a  meaning  look,  as  if  each  said  to  the  other  :  "  I  know  your 
business  here."  Teunis,  as  the  most  excited,  and  the  most 
honest,  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  Why  does  the  chieftain  of  the  mountain  hunt  after  a 
muskrat  so  keenly.  Has  Brandt  sent  spies  after  his  allies  ? 

"Brandt's  allies,"  said  the  red  man  sarcastically,  "have 
not  two  faces  ;  one  for  the  day  and  another  for  the  night." 

"  Then  Kiskataam  is  not  one  of  them,  for  he  has  game  of 
his  own  ?" 

Teunis  put  this  in  the  interrogative  key,  striking  the  ear  ot 
the  wily  chief  so  that  it  rung  again,  throwing  him  off  hia 
guard.  He  intended  to  insinuate  treachery  on  the  part  of 
Teunis ;  and  the  insinuation  was  given  back  with  interest. 
Rallying  himself  he. muttered  : 

"  The  true  dog  may  hunt  after  the  false  fox." 

"  Then  Kiskataam  is  Brandt's  dog.  The  chief  of  the  moun- 
tains has  fallen  when  he  has  come  on  the  Mohawk's  errand. 
The  fox  can  double  a  mean  dog." 

This  dialogue  could  not  have  been  long  continued  without 
producing  results  of  a  sei'ious  nature ;  and  as  the  young 
Boerman  was  well  armed,  and  withal  a  powerful  man,  it 
would  not  have  been  safe  in  the  Indian  to  have  struck  a 
blow  then.  Nor  would  it  have  served  his  purpose.  A 
quarrel  at  that  moment  would  have  put  the  man  out  of  the 
way  who  was  evidently  seeking  after  the  same  object  with 
himself.  A  little  patience  and  watchfulness,  and  Teunis 
would  discover  the  retreat  of  the  women.  The  mortified 
chief  walked  off  crestfallen,  having  been  caught  in  his  own 
trap  at  eavesdropping.  Not  far  off,  Teunis  perceived  that  he 
was  joined  by  Shandaagan,  and  though  going  with  their 
backs  toward  him,  they  were  doubtless  in  mind  determined  to 
turn  and  dog  his  steps.  His  own  resolution  was  to  keep 
watch  on  this  spot  during  the  night  at  least,  in  case,  any  of 
the  fugitives  should  return.  In  the  morning  he  would  be 
guided,  by  the  course  of  events. 


QUEEN   OF   THE    MOUNTAIN.  187 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

QUEEN    OF   THE    MOUNTAIN. 

*  Be  thine  own  home,  and  in  thyself  dwell ; 

Palace  anywhere ; 

And  seeing  the  snail  which  everywhere  doth  roam, 
Carrying  his  own  house  still,  still  is  at  home, 
Follow  (for  he  is  easy  paced)  this  snail, 
Be  thine  own  palace,  or  the  world's  thy  jail.' 

DOSNK. 

ELSIE  and  her  fellow-prisoners  had,  in  some  measure,  reco- 
vered from  the  shock  caused  by  the  late  attack  on  Hoogenhui- 
sen.  It  would  be  folly  to  deny  that  the  brave  girl  felt  more  than 
gratitude  toward  Teunis,  for  the  defence  he  had  made,  and 
her  mind  was  wandering  in  that  direction,  when  in  order  to 
compose  herself  she  sat  down  with  the  Bible  before  her  eyes, 
while  in  heart  she  was  desiring  human  as  well  as  divine  help. 
Read  what  part  she  pleased,  some  how  or  other  the  song  of 
Solomon  would  turn  up.  And  there  she  found  and  marked 
that  verse  which  Teunis  afterward  found  and  read.  On 
looking  up  from  the  page  a  moment,  she  perceived  Miss  Clin- 
ton all  drawn  up,  as  if  something  was  pressing  upon  her 
breast  like  a  nightmare,  which  she.  was  struggling  to  resist. 
She  ran  immediately  to  the  lady's  side,  and  saw  the  cause, 
which  had  almost  an  equal  influence  upon  herself.  Shandaagan 
was  prowling  around  among  the  smoking  ruins,  with  his  face 
turned  toward  the  very  spot  where  they  were  hidden.  Hei 
first  thought  was  to  lift  the  long  gun  that  lay  loaded  at  hei 
side,  and  finish  his  career ;  but  prudence  as  much  as  huma- 
nity restrained  her.  She,  however,  took  a  look  around  the 
apartment,  determined  to  resist  his  entrance  should  he  come 
to  discover  it.  Nearer  and  nearer  he  came,  as  if  he  was  ex- 
amining every  inch  of  ground,  and  the  extraordinary  instinct 
of  the  Indian  appeared  now  to  have  the  power  of  leading  him 
in  the  very  direction  where  they  were  sitting.  He  seamed 
more  like  a  dog  smelling  the  ground  than  a  man  scrutinizing 
it  by  reasoning  faculties.  He  was  within  twenty  yards  of  the 
place  where  she  sat,  and  was  still  approaching.  A  thought 
struck  her ;  she  began  to  hiss  like  a  serpent,  in  a  low,  slow 
manner,  till  she  saw  the  attention  of  the  Indian  arrested, 
whcu  she  changed  her  place,  and  continued  hissing  till  it 


188  THE    DUTCH    DO1IINIE. 

became  near  a  whistle.  Rover,  who  was  half  sleeping,  rosu 
suddenly  at  this,  and  was  about  to  reply  in  his  own  style, 
when  his  mistress  seized  him  by  the  paws,  preventing  what 
must  havu  discovered  the  whole  nest.  But  tne  hissing  and 
the  under  growl  were  sufficient  to  awaken  new  thoughts  in 
the  mind  of  her  pursuer,  for  after  laying  his  ear  to  the 
ground,  he  rose,  going  quite  over  the  spot  where  they  were 
looking  through  at  him;  so  close  indeed  that  the  toes  of  his 
moccasins  were  fixed  in  the  holes  of  their  cell,  as  he  climbed 
to  the  top.  A  new  danger  now  appeared.  He  might  dis- 
cover the  door  in  the  rear.  Giving  the  dog  in  charge  of  her 
mother,  and  setting  Miss  Clinton  to  watch  the  road,  putting 
a  large  pistol  in  her  hand,  which  made  Margaret  look  for  the 
moment  like  a  soldier's  daughter,  Elsie  started  for  the  back 
cart  of  their  citadel,  to  look  out.  Her  courage  was  now  ris- 
<og  equal  to  the  occasion.  Taking  her  long  gun  with  her, 
she  crawled  through  between  the  rocks,  all  the  time  feeling 
quite  certain  that  some  one  was  walking  above.  She  paused 
that  she  might  listen,  scarcely  breathing,  lest  she  herself 
should  be  heard,  when,  to  still  her  greater  alarm,  Rover,  who 
had  made  his  escape  from  the  easier  grip  of  Anshela,  was  whin- 
ing low  at  her  side,  while  the  old  woman,  fully  aware  of  the 
crisis,  had  followed  after  him  to  resume  her  hold.  She  had 
entered  the  narrow  passage  after  her  daughter,  but  being 
neither  so  supple  nor  so  slim,  she  stuck  in  that  place  like  a 
Dutch  scow  in  a  canal  lock,  and  could  not  go  forward  nor 
back.  Never  was  poor  girl  in  a  more  puzzling  plight. 
Her  mother  and  Rover,  herself  and  Miss  Clinton,  alike  the 
objects  of  her  solicitude,  while  the  foe  was  now  within  ear- 
shot ;  she  could,  in  her  desperation,  have  gone  out  and  faced 
a  score  of  savages ;  but,  luckily  for  all,  the  mother  gave  her- 
self a  good  pull  and  got  back  into  the  main  apartment,  where 
Margaret  met  Elsie  with  the  information  that  the  Indian  had 
returned  to  the  front  and  was  calling  out  for  Rover.  The  two 
animals  had,  no  doubt,  recognized  each  other  in  their  own 
way ;  but  the  brave  girl,  taking  some  rope,  put  a  muzzle 
on  the  dog,  and  fastened  him  to  a  chest  till  the  danger  would 
pass. 

Their  tormenter  left  their  sight  after  a  brief  space,  and  the 
three  prisoners  had  now  time  to  breathe  and  congratulate 
themselves  on  their  narrow  escape.  Miss  Clinton  wept  in 
perfect  joy,  and  would  have  been  content  to  remain  there  for 
a  month.  Not  so  Elsie,  who  saw  that  the  danger  was  not 
past.  "  He  will  return,"  she  said,  "  and  solve  this  mystery. 


QUEEN    OF   THE   MOUNTAIN.  189 

He  will  "bring  Kiskataam  with  hira,  and  they  will  burn  us  out 
if  they  cannot  bring  us  to  yield  up." 

u  I  will  die  first  in  this  spot,  and  sell  my  life  dear  too,"  said 
Margaret.  "  I  will  prove  to  them  how  a  soldier's  daughter 
can  defend  herself  when  it  comes  to  a  battle.  I  fear  death 
less  than  being  in  the  hands  of  either  Clifford  or  his  deceitful 
servant.  Go,  Elsie,  and  leave  me  here  to  do  as  I  am  deter- 
mined." 

Elsie,  who  under  the  power  of  excitement  was  equal  to  any 
crisis,  was  above  feeling  the  burden  of  her  responsibility  and 
musing  upon  what  might  be  the  best  plan,  suffered  broken 
sentences  to  escape  from  her,  such  as,  '•*  Why  does  he  not 
come  ?  Oh,  for  one  word  of  that  dark  man  in  the  hollow. 
Let  us  watch." 

"  And  pray,"  said  the  pious  Angelica,  who  was  rocking 
herself  backward  and  forward  as  if  that  motion  was  essential 
to  her  thought  and  consciousness.  What  she  had  always 
trusted  to  was  still  with  her,  but  in  this  new  condition  her 
mind  had  not  yet  obtained  its  balance.  "  Vy  does  niet  de 
Dominie  come  ?  hem  ay  kaam  in  distress.  Myne  vader  ende 
myne  moeder  hebben  my  verlaten ;  maar  de  Heere  zal  my 
aannemeer." 

"  What  does  your  good  mother  say,  Elsie  ?  tell  me  that  I 
may  share  in  her  comfort  and  support." 

"  She  says  that  though  my  father  and  my  mother  forsako 
me  yet  the  Lord  will  take  me  up." 

"  All  true,  as  I  can  feel  this  moment.  We  have  all  three 
but  one  Father  now.  But  look,  Elsie,  here.  What  is  that  I 
see  moving  there  on  the  other  side  of  the  glen  ?  It  looks 
like  some  animal,  but  it  has  stood  so  still  that  I  think  it  must 
be  but  a  stone." 

The  mountain  lass  fixed  her  eye  on  the  place,  and  after  a 
few  moment's  examination  she  withdrew  her  eyes,  with  a  shud- 
der, merely  saying:  "More  trouble.  The  master  devil  is 
there  himself,  as  I  supposed." 

"  Kiskataam  it  is,"  said  Miss  Clinton,  hiding  her  eyes  ir. 
her  hand,  as  she  cried :  "  Oh,  God  help  me ;  help  us  all  in 
this  hour  of  sorrow.  Thou  beholdest  all  things  below. 
Look  down,  we  beseech  thee,  and  hear  us  calling  out  of  the 
depth  of  misery,  and  out  of  the  jaws  of  this  death  which  i$ 
now  ready  to  swallow  us  up.  Save  us,  O  Lord,  or  else  we 
perish." 

Elsie  stood  amazed  at  the  utterance  of  this  prayer,  and 
seemed  to  regard  her  friend  as  one  inspired,  while  the  oW 


190  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

mother  whispered  to  herself,  "  She  prays  goodens  te  Domi- 
nie." All  the  three  became  more  composed  and  determined. 
Their  enemy  stood  looking  steadfastly  toward  them,  as  if  he 
could  see  through  the  rocks  ;  or  it  might  be  that  he  was  sur- 
veying the  fortress,  before  making  a  grand  attack.  To  the 
left  was  the  other  fiend,  who  had,  by  appointment  no  doubt, 
met  his  master,  with  whom  he  was  in  consultation.  The  pri- 
soners could  guess  his  report,  and  judged  too,  probably,  what 
would  be  their  next  move. 

*-  They  have  sunk  to  the  ground,"  said  Margaret,  "  as  if 
shot  by  an  arrow ;  so  noiselessly  they  fall." 

"Yes,"  was  the  response  of  her  companion,  "  some  one  has 
appeared.  Now  God  grant  it  may  not  be  Tennis  at  this 
moment,  or  he  is  a  lost  man,  and  we  lost  witli  him.  If  they 
do  the  deed,  revenge  is  my  word ;"  and  she  grasped  the  gun 
firmly  in  her  hand,  as  if  the  work  was  begun. 

Sure  enough,  Teunis  did  arrive  on  the  ground,  and  was 
watched  eagerly  from  behind  the  tree,  by  those  snaky  eyes, 
that  moved  unknown  to  him. 

"  They  will  shoot  him  from  behind,"  said  Angelica.  "  Let 
me  cry  to  him." 

"  No,  mammy.  No,  they  are  only  wanting  to  see  where 
he  goes.  We  must  try  and  divert  their  eyes  from  him  to 
something  else.  We  must  leave.  Oh,  for  half  an  hour.  He 
will  come  straight  in  here,  and  they  will  follow  hard  on  his 
heels.  Let  us  leave,  and  w«  can  watch  them  from  another 
point  to  more  advantage.  Once  get  us  here,  pent  up,  and 
they  will  soon  have  their  whole  pack  upon  us.  Mammy,  go 
out  first.  It  is  life  or  death.  I  will  wait  here  and  watch  till 
you  get  through.  Push  these  quilts  and  skins  before  you. 
Who  knows  where  our  next  bed  may  be. 

Now,  Martin  had  so  fixed  the  back  entrance  after  a  fash- 
ion of  his  own.  He  was  his  own  blacksmith,  as  he  was  his 
own  mason  and  carpenter.  He  had  run  two  bolts,  with 
lead,  into  a  large  flat  stone,  which  lodged  into  eyes  that 
were  bored  into  the  rock.  There  it  hung,  so  that  it  might 
be  lifted  up  to  the  roof,  and  when  let  down  it  appeared  in  ita 
natural  place.  It  was  a  portcullis  of  a  rude  kind,  but  fully 
answering  the  purpose  of  shutting  out  all,  except  those  who 
knew  the  secret.  Elsie  remained  behind  as  long  as  she  could,  in 
hopes  of  getting  one  word  from  Teunis,  and  revealing:  to  him 
her  purpose  of  retreating ;  but  she  plainly  saw  that  the  spies 
were  within  hearing,  and  might  succeed  in  preventing  the 
escape  of  all  the  fcur  by  some  cunning  manoeuvre,  since 


QUEEN    OF   THE    MOUNTAIN.  191 

Tennis  was  entirely  ignorant  of  their  presence.  The  two 
things  she  wished  for  most,  and  feared  most,  came  at  oue 
moment.  To  flee  was  her  only  alternative,  while  there  was 
yet  hope.  She  let  down  the  strong  barricade,  and  lay  behind 
it,  to  see  and  hear.  She  dreaded  blood  being  spilt ;  and  by 
the  way  of  comforting  herself,  she  shook  a  little  dry  powdei 
into  the  lock  of  the  duck  gun,  putting  the  muzzle  through  a 
hole  prepared  for  such  a  purpose.  Here  she  lay,  and  saw  all 
we  have  already  described,  until  it  grew  quite  dark,  when 
thinking  on  the  possibility  of  being  surrounded  before  the 
morning,  she  left,  without  accomplishing  her  desire  of  speak- 
ing one  word  to  Teunis. 

With  great  effort  Angelica  found  her  way  into  the  open 
air,  where  she  soon  revived  sufficiently  to  lift  a  burden  of 
bedding.  Miss  Clinton  took  her  part,  and  Elsie  more  than 
would  cover  herself,  and  taking  now  the  lead  of  the  march  in 
deep  darkness,  toward  what  was  then  called  the  Dog  Pool, 
since  named  "THE  FAWN'S  LEAP,"  they  reached  it  without 
any  interruption,  except  the  obstacles  which  a  rocky  path 
always  presents  to  tender  feet. 

The  morning  found  the  outcasts  in  a  dejected  state  of  mind, 
and  with  weary  bodies.  Had  an  enemy  come  upon  them, 
he  would  have  met  with  but  a  feeble  resistance.  Elsie  soon 
perceived  that  this  state  of  tilings  would  of  itself  soon  de- 
stroy her  hopes  and  the  lives  of  her  companions,  so  she  set 
herself  to  work  cheering  them,  and  turning  their  minds  away 
from  themselves  and  their  troubles.  Knowing  the  place 
she  had  chosen,  and  now  somewhat  acquainted  with  her 
ward,  she  began  a  plan  of  interesting  her  mind,  by  exciting 
tier  natural  enthusiasm  for  mountain  scenery.  She  had  for- 
merly been  sheltered  there  during  a  dreadful  storm  of  hail ; 
and  afterward,  during  a  hot  day  in  July,  had  sat  under  the 
rock  that  hung  over  the  little  fall.  It  lies  in  a  narrow 
ravine,  belo\v  the  rocks  where  the  Kauterskiil  comes  down, 
and  falls  over  the  shelf  into  a  basin  a  hundred  feet  still  lower 
down.  The  whole  is  surrounded  with  trees  and  shrubs  com- 
mon to  the  region,  and  forms  an  amphitheatre  of  wildness  and 
beauty  seldom  surpassed.  It  is  not  so  capacious  as  the  falls 
lying  immediately  back  of  Pine  Orchard,  but  it  has  points 
of  interest  which  surpass  even  that  famous  spot.  Here,  in 
the  soft  sand,  which  is  as  dry  as  sand  can  be  out  of  the  sun 
arid  never  sprinkled  with  spray  or  rain,  was  the  bed  of  .Miss 
Clinton,  and  in  which  she  slept  that  night  more  soundly  than 
ehe  had  frequently  done  in  Shrewsbury  Castle 


192  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

Elsie  had  made  her  own  bed  near  that  of  Miss  Clinton, 
out  owing  to  the  load  of  her  responsibility,  her  sleep  did  not 
come  till  far  in  the  morning.  When  she  awoke  and  looked 
around,  the  first  object  that  caught  her  eye  was  her  mother, 
sitting  at  a  newly  kindled  fire,  with  her  cutty  pipe  in  her 
mouth,  seemingly  taking  as  much  comfort  as  she  had  seen 
her  enjoying  between  the  jambs  of  Hoogenhuisen,  looking  on 
the  china  pictures  of  Joseph  and  his  brethren.  The  young 
English  girl  lay  upon  a  large  black  bearskin,  covered  with  a 
thick  comforter,  still  asleep.  "  Let  her  lie  still  and  sleep  on  ; 
who  knows  when  she  may  have  another  chance  ?"  And  with 
that  she  began  to  make  her  own  simple  toilet,  with  a 
rock  for  her  table  and  a  small  pool  for  a  mirror.  Margaret 
soon  opened  her  eyes,  in  evident  alarm  at  the  scene,  when 
rising  on  her  elbow,  her  eyes  fixed  on  her  protectress,  she 
soon  regained  her  composure.  After  this,  she  cast  one 
despairing  look  upward,  uttering  the  name  of  God  and 
m  other. 

"  Elsie,  dear  Elsie,"  said  the  fond  girl,  "  it  was  long  before 
I  could  fall  asleep,  and  yet  I  am  more  afraid  now  in  the  day- 
light than  I  was  when  Hooked  up  on  the  stars,  which  seemed 
to  me  like  the  eyes  of  angels  looking  down  on  me.  Have 
you  ever  imagined  those  stars  to  be  holy  beings  hovering  over 
us?" 

"  Yes,  my  dear  lady,  I  have  often  heard  that  good  angels 
attend  upon  the  good  always  ;  but  our  Dominie  says  a  good 
conscience  is  the  best  guardian  angel,  and  the  surest  sleeping- 
drops  in  the  apothecary's  store ;  and  that  a  star  in  the  breast 
gives  more  true  light  than  all  the  millions  in  the  sky.  You 
know  that  I  myself  love  to  watch  the  stars,  and  last  night  I 
looked  up  so  long,  that  I  fell  asleep  dreaming  that  I  heard 
their  feet  marching  over  the  pure  pavement  above  my  head." 

"  Your  Dominie  must  be  a  poet,  or  else  he  has  read  a  book 
called  '  The  Mask  of  Comus,'  which  I  feel  suits  my  case  too 
well.  A  lady  lost  her  way,  as  I  have  mine,  but  she  felt  as  I 
should  feel,  and  as  your  minister  tells  you  is  best. 

" '  These  thoughts  may  startle  well,  but  not  astound 
The  virtuous  mind,  that  ever  walks  attended 
By  a  strong-sided  champion,  conscience.' 

"  Did  you  hear  the  stream,  how  it  murmured  around  our 
camp,  and  then  roared  off  in  the  distance  ?  It  put  me  in 
mind  of  a  crowded  theatre,  just  before  the  curtain  rises,  when 


QTJEEN   OF   THE   MOUNTAIN.  193 

the  shout  of  applause  succeeds  the  appearance  of  the 
favorite  actor.  I  lay  listening  till  it  seemed  to  soften  down 
into  the  low  crooning  sound  of  ray  old  Scottish  nurse,  when 
she  used  to  sing  me  to  sleep  on  her  bosom.  That  put  me  in 
mind  of  home,  and  I  cried  myself  to  sleep." 

"Rise,  my  lady,"  said  the  kind  listener,  perceiving  the 
necessity  of  action,  "  and  let  me  dress  you.  The  cold  air 
must  be  kept  away,  and  here  is  my  mother's  oak-leaved  quilt^ 
which  I  will  put  around  you  as  the  Indian  squaws  do  their 
blankets."  And  with  that  Elise  threw  the  coverlet  over  the 
shoulders  of  the  delicate  damsel,  on  whom  the  air  of  heaven 
had  scarcely  ever  blown  rudely  before  in  all  her  life-time. 
Her  tall  and  graceful  form  was  not  hidden  in  the  particolored 
shawl,  and  when  her  present  lady's  maid  took  the  handkerchief 
which  a  Dutch  skipper  had  brought  from  India  as  a  present 
to  her  grandmother,  tying  it  round  the  waist  of  Margaret, 
she  appeared  in  full  dress,  smiling  and  wondering  what  her 
"  London  friends  would  say  were  she  to  walk  in  among  them 
in  this  mask,  fresh  from  the  mountains.  Lady  Grantham 
would  hold  up  her  hands  and  declare  that  nothing  could  be 
more  distingue  and  picturesque." 

"  Do  you  see  how  that  stream  leaps  down  among  the 
rocks  ?"  was  the  quiet  question  of  her  kind  companion,  all  the 
time  anxious  to  divert  the  thoughts  of  the  stranger  from  her- 
self and  from  her  home.  "Did  you  ever  see  a  lighter  foot 
than  that  is,  trusting  to  the  air  so  confidently  ?" 

"  No,  never ;  and  yet  I  have  seen  airy  creatures  who 
seemed  more  the  creations  of  fancy  than  of  reality.  But  how 
beautifully  the  whole  stream  loses  itself  in  the  haze,  which 
covers  it  like  a  veil  thinner  than  the  purest  gossamer." 

"  And  there,  again,  Miss  Clinton,  see  how  it  trips  away 
down  yonder  below,  coming  out  of  its  misty  curtains  fresh 
and  fair,  like  a  child  running  to  its  mother's  arms." 

This  was  unfortunate,  though  kindly  intended  and  finely 
said,  for  the  poor  exile,  taking  up  the  thought,  ran  oif  in  a 
rhapsody  of  affection. 

"  Ah,  my  dear  Elsie,  why  have  you  touched  on  that  string, 
to  remind  me  of  my  joyful  days,  sending  me  back  here  to 
my  sorrow  ?  My  mother  is  down  there,  just  where  that  little 
stream  is  going  to  embrace  the  river.  Why  might  I  not 
follow  its  course  and  find  her?  Tell  me,  could  I  not  go, 
keeping  by  its  side  ?  Would  not  I  come  to  the  river  with 
it,  and  find  my  way  to  the  vessel  ?  I  can  imagine  rt  waiting 
for  me  at  this  moment." 


194  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  You  would  find  the  rocks  too  hard  for  your  tender  feet, 
ray  dear  lady,"  were  the  kind  words  of  the  good  Angelica, 
u  and  the  windings  and  tails  are  more  than  you  dream  of." 

"  Oh,  there  seems  to  be  nothing  direct  in  this  world, 
How  crooked  has  been  my  way  these  few  days  past !  Why 
might  I  not  take  a  winding  course  with  that  stream,  and 
come  out  in  the  end  all  well  ?" 

"  Straight  roads  are  not  always  the  best.  Our  Dominie 
scolds  the  path-masters  every  summer,  because  they  will  go 
'over  a  hill  when  going  round  it  would  be  easier  for  their 
cattle.  Ask  my  mother,  and  she  will  give  you  Scripture  for 
it." 

"  Yaw,"  said  the  experienced  old  lady.  "  See  de  kinderen 
of  Ishrael  ta'en  by  vays  after  de  cloudy  pillar  afore  dey  got 
to  Kaunaan." 

"  This  stream  we  are  now  watching,"  interfered  Elsie,  "  is 
dealt  kindly  by,  for  it  is  let  down  step  by  step,  and  in  a  far, 
roundabout  way.  You  saw  the  two  ponds  that  we  lay 
beside  yesterday — no,  the  day  before,  I  forget  myself.  They 
form  the  fountain-head.  About  two  miles  below,  the  waters 
take  a  far  higher  leap  than  they  do  here.  The  further  down 
it  goes,  the  fall  is  less  and  less,  till  it  becomes  as  smooth  as 
your  cheek,  and  as  quiet  as  your  old  nurse's  voice  when  she 
found  you  fairly  asleep  in  your  cradle." 

"  Min  vat  de  Dominie  says  about  dat,  Etaie  ?" 

"  Oh,  he  says  that  his  young  folk  go  off  like  the  Kauters- 
kill  up  here,  and  end  like  the  quiet  Kaatskill,  in  their  old  age 
joining  the  great  river  rolling  into  the  sea." 

"  And  is  this  the  only  stream  in  these  hills  ?"  was  the 
inquiry  of  Miss  Clinton,  who  now  began  to  forget  herself 
and  her  troubles.  "  If  it  be  a  solitary  thing,  it  is  far  from 
showing  the  signs  of  sadness." 

"  This  is  not  the  only  stream  of  the  mountains  hereabout," 
was  the  answer  of  Elsie,  "  for  there  is  another  spring  head 
not  far  off  from  this,  but  the  stream  runs  in  the  opposite 
direction.  My  father  followed  that  when  he  was  young. 
He  says  it  follows  the  backbone  of  the  mountain,  going  down 
into  old  Schoharie,  then  through  the  Mohawk  country,  join- 
ing that  river  till  it  meets  the  Hudson,  and  mingles  with 
these  very  waters  we  are  now  looking  at,  after  all  that 
wandering  life." 

"What  a  history  you  are  telling  me!"_  said  Margivet, 
pleased  with  the  fancy  which  rose  in  her  mind.  "  Ho\*  likt 
to  some  histories  I  could  tell  myself." 


QUEEN   OF   THE   MOUNTAIN.  195 

"  I  remember  what  you  told  me  when  we  hid  ourselves 
beside  the  little  lakes,  and  I  am  almost  sorry  I  spoke  just 
now ;  but  the  truth  will  come  out,  Miss  Clinton." 

"  That  is  true,  and  was  no  fault  of  your  honest  heart.  Ber- 
tram and  I  were  born  near  to  each  other.  He  went  off  to 
the  sea  when  he  was  a  boy,  and  we  met  again  after  the  sepa- 
ration, on  the  Hudson,  where  these  two  streams  you  speak 
of  are  mingling  in  one  great  river." 

"  Come  and  heve  somet'ing  to  eat,"  was  the  call  of  the 
careful  mother ;  "  leiv  afF  t'ese  sorrowful  tales,  lookia'  into  te 
vater,  shedding  saut  tears." 

Upon  a  flat  stone  standing  on  the  shelving  rock  that  hung 
over  the  fall,  were  placed  bread,  boiled  eggs,  and  dried 
venison.  A  cow,  which  came  from  the  herd,  gave  them 
milk ;  the  whole  made  an  excellent  breakfast,  of  which  they 
partook  heartily  and  gratefully.  The  mountain  air  gave  them 
a  keen  appetite,  and  at  the  close  of  the  meal,  Elsie  took  her 
two  hands  and  lifted  up  a  cup  of  water,  of  which  she  drank 
herself;  then  offering  as  much  to  her  companion,  they  were 
ready  for  whatever  might  betide. 

"Come  now,"  said  the  mountain  lass,  "and  I  will  lead 
you  to  my  favorite  walk."  And  with  their  arms  around  each 
other,  they  went  up  the  side  of  the  glen  toward  the  north. 
Turning  around  to  her  mother,  Elsie  said:  "Mammy,  the 
wildcats  mew  if  anything  happens." 

"  Yaw !  yaw !"  said  the  careful  dame ;  "  wildcats  plenty 
all  over.  But  I  will  mind." 

"  Are  there  enemies  near  us  that  you  leave  the  signal  with 
the  sentinel  ?  I  had  almost  believed  the  danger  to  be  all 
below,  in  that  hollow,  mysterious  place  we  were  in  yester- 
day." 

"  You  are  too  well  acquainted  with  the  customs  of  war, 
Miss  Clinton,  not  to  know  that  safety  lies  in  constantly 
watching.  But  let  us  not  talk  of  danger  till  we  see  it  face 
to  face.  Let  us  walk ;  and  please  not  to  turn  around  till  I 
tell  you,  for  I  want  to  point  to  what  I  think  is  worth  seeing." 
When  they  had  advanced  about  half  a  mile  above  thf  fall, 
Elsie  called,  "Now  turn  and  look." 

The  sight  was  so  overwhelming  that  Margaret  was  for  a 
few  minutes  in  speechless  rapture.  High  Peak,  that  majestic 
pyramid,  stood  out  in  bold  relief  against  the  southern  sky, 
surrounded  by  numerous  hills,  great  and  small,  among 
which  he  rose  like  a  king  attended  by  his  suite,  who  looked 
up  to  his  orown  with  awe  and  delight.  The  October  sun  had 


196  THE   DUTCH   DOMESTIE. 

spread  a  mysterious  haze  over  the  whole  scene,  which 
expanded  rafher  than  hid  its  greatness. 

"  What  do  you  see  there  ?"  said  the  truly  proud  mountain 
damsel;  proud  of  her  own  region. 

"  My  head  is  dizzy.  Let  me  alone  till  I  get  over  my 
bewilderment,  and  be  able  to  comprehend  what  is  before  me. 
Oh!  what  a  stage  is  there  for  superior  beings  to  descend 
upon,  and  see  the  actions  of  puny  mortals !  Elsie,  have  you 
ever  known  any  one  to  ascend  that  height  ?" 

"  Oh,  yes ;  I  have  been  up  there  myself  more  than  once. 
But  it  helps  to  humble  one.  I  never  feel  myself  so  small  as 
when  I  stand  on  that  eminence,  and  think  what  a  mote  am  E. 
And  yet,"  was  the  pious  thought  of  the  rural  maid,  "  I  have 
felt  my  soul  expanding  above  it  all,  when  I  knew  that  I  was 
an  immortal  creature,  redeemed  by  the  Son  of  God." 

"  That  is  like  mounting  from  the  foot  of  Jacob's  ladder 
to  the  top  of  it  at  a  bound.  I  am  down  at  the  bottom  yet. 
When  I  was  in  the  city  of  Rome,  they  took  me  into  the  great 
church  there  called  St.  Peters  ;  and,  Elsie,  do  you  know  that 
when  some  one  beside  me  said  that  he  felt  himself  so  small 
that  he  could  sink,  I  said,  presumptuous  thing  that  I  was, 
1  My  heart  swells  so  that  I  fill  all  this  house.'  You  must 
have  felt  up  there  as  I  did  in  Rome." 

"Four  times  a  year,  Miss  Clinton,  do  I  come  up  to  this 
place,  and  look  up  ;  in  June,  when  everything  is  in  the 
greenest  lustre ;  in  August,  when  all  is  so  rich  and  full  ;  in 
October,  when  those  various  colors  are  painted  by  the  hand 
of  nature,  and  again  in  winter." 

"  Now  I  find  out  the  cause  of  my  confusion,  Elsie  :  that 
wondrous  variety  of  colors.  This  is  what  is  called  the  fall 
and  Indian  summer,  when  the  foliage  changes.  It  is  a  new 
thing  to  my  English  eyes." 

"And  have  you  no  fall  in  England — no  Indian  summer 
there?"  said  the  amazed  girl,  who  had  less  idea  of  the  diffe- 
rence of  climate  than  her  travelled  companion.  "Then  I  do 
not  think  so  much  of  your  great  island  after  all.  No  fall !  no 
Indian  summer !  What  have  you  ?" 

"  England  is  always  green  like  your  June,  Elsie ;  but  what 
would  they  give  there  for  one  glimpse  of  that  mountain,  clad 
in  trees  to  the  very  crown,  and  every  one  of  these  trees  in 
different  colors,  from  the  richest  purple  to  the  brightest 
yellow,  and  the  whole  robe  intermingled  with  pale  and  deep 
green.  But  tell  me,  what  is  that  shrub  covering  all  the 
ground  so  dark  in  the  red." 


QUEEN   OF   THE   MOUNTAIN.  197 

""We  call  that  the  laurel,  which  is  spread  all  over  the 
mountains,  as  you  see  beneath  our  feet.  But  look,  here  is 
my  favorite  flower  at  this  time  of  the  year,  the  sumach.  Let 
me  put  it  into  your  hair,  for  a  feather  ;  and  tell  me  if  ever 
the  queen  of  England  had  one  so  rich  ?" 

"  Bring  me  other  two,  and  I  will  show  you  the  Prince  of 
Wales'  feather.  There  now,  a  soldier  of  the  forty-second 
regiment  would  fight  with  more  ardor  for  his  native  hills, 
than  he  does  even  now,  with  the  blood  cockade  in  his 
bonnet.  Oh,  what  a  deep  and  pure  scarlet !  Never,  never 
would  they  believe  me,  were  I  to  tell  of  it  just  as  I  see  it  in 
your  hands."  * 

It  was  in  this  manner  that  Elsie  led  the  enthusiastic  girl  to 
forget  her  troubles.  Romantic  in  disposition,  and  full  of  life, 
the  picturesque  in  nature  and  in  costume  captivated,  her 
ardent  heart,  so  that  she  forgot  everything  for  the  pleasure 
of  the  present  moment,  light  as  the  bird  that  leaped  from 
branch  to  branch.  It  required  only  the  tact  of  producing 
new  objects  of  attraction,  and  she  would  have  remained  for 
days  among  these  hills,  and  been  happy,  and  have  made  others 
happy  also  in  return.  Dressed  as  Elsie  had  adorned  her  in 
the  colors  of  nature,  with  her  clear,  intellectual  countenance, 
she  moved  with  the  air  of  a  princess ;  and  had  a  stranger 
come  suddenly  upon  them,  she  would  have  been  chosen  as  the 
genius  of  the  region,  attended  by  rustic  wisdom  in  her  homely 
garb. 

"  I  have  been  thinking,"  said  the  elated  captive  girl,  "  of 
how  happy  you  must  be,  when  there  is  no  trouble  below,  on 
a  day  like  this,  and  our  friend  Teunis  with  you.  For  I  am 
all  the  more  happy  in  the  company  of  those  I  love  best ;  and 
you  are  of  the  same  mind  too,  I  am  sure." 

"Yes,  there  are  days  which  we  remember  always,  when  we 
were  too  full  of  happiness.  The  heart,  like  a  cup  full  of  joy, 
surges  over  the  brim,  and  we  share  it  with  others.  I  have 
had  my  share  at  all  seasons.  This  time  of  the  year  is  always 
llie  finest  to  me',  though  not  the  grandest." 

"  "When  do  you  call  the  mountain  in  its  grandest  array  ?  •  I 
cannot  imagine  anything  beyond  what  I  am  looking  at  just 
now.  I  have  seen  Mount  Blanc,  but  there  was  nothing  on 
it  save  the  awful  whiteness,  which  blinds  and  awes  the 
spirit." 

"  Miss  Clinton,  to  my  mind  the  sublimest  scene  of  these 

*  So  the  English  considered  Coles'  Mountain  scenery. 


198  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

hills  is  to  be  seen  in  the  white  winter.  The  loneliness 
pleases  me  so,  that  I  feel  a  reverence  for  High  Peak,  which  I 
never  feel  at  another  season.  All  is  then  so  still,  that  I  can 
hear  my  heart  beating.  It  is  only  at  rare  times  that  its  real 
grandeur  appears.  One  day,  a  few  years  ago,  in  January  I 
was  here.  There  had  been  a  thaw  and  a  heavy  rain  for  a 
whole  day,  which  beat  upon  the  snow  without  melting  it, 
making  it  so  hard  that  it  could  be  trodden  upon  by  the  foot 
without  sinking.  Toward  midnight  the  wind  came  around 
suddenly  to  the  northwest,  and  blew  one  of  the  coldest  blasts 
I  ever  knew.  The  rain  continued,  but  it  froze  as  it  fell,  so 
that  not  a  tree,  nor  a  twig  nor  a  leaf  but  hung  in  icicles, 
clear  as  the  crystal  I  have  seen  on  my  uncle's  table  at  Al- 
bany. As  soon  as  my  father  rose,  he  said,  '  now  is  the  time 
for  chasing  that  mischievous  painter  that  has  troubled  the 
sheep  so  long.  He  will  sink  in  the  crust.  Let  us  after  him 
with  our  snow-shoes.'  A  company  was  gathered,  Teuiiis 
among  them.  Sleds  filled  with  skins,  guns  and  victuals,  and 
warm  hearts.  We  landed  here  when  the  sun  was  at  the  high- 
est. I  had  come  up  so  far,  just  to  take  my  favorite  look  and 
return ;  but  of  all  the  sights  that  mortal  eye  ever  beheld,  it 
seems  to  me  still  that  that  must  have  surpassed  them.  The 
mountain  was  one  lump  of  glass,  not  a  dark  spot  on  the 
whole.  The  trees  all  hung  in  crystals.  The  hard  snow, 
frozen  and  glittering  to  the  very  top.  It  was  one  diamond, 
perfectly  reflecting  the  different  colors  of  the  rainbow. 
I  looked,  but  my  eyes  filled  so  with  tears,  that  I  turned 
away,  for  I  was  ashamed  to  be  seen  weeping  at  what  no  one 
else  seemed  to  care  to  look  at  but  myself." 

"Did  no  one  enjoy  the  vision  but  you?  It  seems  to  me 
that  I  see  it  now  as  you  describe  it." 

"  Not  one,"  said  Elsie,  "  cared  about  it  after  a  moment 
was  passed ;  one  girl  of  my  own  age  declared  that  she  would 
rather  get  a  look  at  the  big  kitchen  fire.  And  a  good- 
hearted  girl  she  was  for  all  that.  We  must  not  judge  other 
people  by  their  taste  in  these  things." 

"  No,  Elsie,"  said  Miss  Clinton,  "  for  we  find  that  true  love 
does  not  always  unite  itself  with  refined  taste.  I  have  known 
some  of  the  most  sentimental  men  and  women  in  the  world, 
who  would  not  sacrifice  a  single  gratification  for  the  good 
of  others.  But  I  know  others  who  can  enjoy  all  the  beau- 
tiful in  nature  and  art,  and  they  would  this  day  lay  down 
their  life  for  me.  Here  I  am  cut  off  from  all,  and  not  a  friend 
but  one." 


QUEEN   OF   THE   MOUNTAIN.  199 

Elsie,  with  great  art,  turned  her  thoughts  away  from  thia 
melancholy  theme,  by  saying: 

"  Miss  Clinton,  stand  out  there,  and  let  me  tell  you  what  I 
have  been  planning.  The  Hermit  that  you  have  heard  me 
speak  of,  told  me  about  the  Queen  of  May  in  England.  I 
have  been  thinking  that  the  Queen  of  October  would  be  the 
most  suitable  for  our  country,  and  I  would  like  to  have  you 
as  our  model." 

"  Well,  dress  me  up  as  you  please ;  it  will  put  off  care  for 
the  day,  and  give  me  something  to  tell  when  I  return  to 
London — that  is,  if  I  ever  return.  I  feel  for  a  moment  now 
that  I  might  act  Lady  Hope  in  the  pageant." 

"  My  dear  lady,  you  must  be  my  queen,  since  I  have 
elected  you.  Let  me  gather  the  leaves  and  the  branches 
while  you  will  use  your  skill  in  putting  them  together, 
agreeable  to  your  own  fancy.  Here  is  a  piece  of  stick  which 
wiU  serve  as  the  stalk  for  your  sceptre.  You  must  twine  it 
around  with  the  things  I  shall  bring  to  you,  and  there  is  a 
needle  and  thread.  Now,  you  are  better  off  than  Mother 
Eve,  the  Queen  of  Eden." 

"  You  seem,  my  friend  and  maid  of  honor,  as  I  shall  call 
you,  to  use  great  familiarity  here,  in  putting  a  queen  to 
work.  But  since  it  must  be  so,  let  me  try.  Tell  me  who  is 
this  strange  man  who  has  informed  you  of  old  country 
customs  so  well.  Is  he  a  real  hermit,  or  only  some  mock 
anchorite  that  affects  these  strange  ways,  for  some  good  end, 
or  in  some  whim  of  his  own  ?  I  should  like  to  see  a  real 
recluse." 

"  I  cannot  tell  you  much  about  him  ;  at  least,  I  dare  not. 
He  has  been  in  this  region  for  more  than  a  year ;  he  came 
here,  no  one  can  tell  where  from ;  and  as  he  knows  so  much 
about  the  world,  we  think  he  must  have  been  a  great  tra- 
veller. The  common  people  say  he  is  a  spook ;  and  the  place 
he  has  chosen  for  his  retreat  favors  the  notion,  for  from  the 
earliest  time  it  has  always  been  thought  that  some  ghost  oi 
an  old  countryman  frequented  that  spot.  Some  say  that 
Hendrick  Hudson  comes  back  every  year  to  play  at  bowls,  up 
in  these  hills,  in  honor  of  his  finding  out  our  famous  river  ; 
others,  that  Captain  Kidd,  the  great  pirate,  hid  some  chests 
of  gold  there,  and  killed  a  big  negro  on  the  spot.  One  old 
money-hunter,  called  Fred  Martin,  told  a  terrible  tale  of 
his  going  at  midnight,  and  digging  under  a  tree.  The 
secret  of  his  success  lay  in  his  not  uttering  a  siuffie  word, 
whatever  he  should  see,  and  the  whole  efforts  oi  wno  ghosts 


200  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

lay  in  forcing  him  to  speak.  He  dug  on  till  the  hour  of 
twelve,  when  round  him  rose  the  crowd  of  imps,  led  on  by 
the  big,  black  negro.  On  Fred  worked  till  out  of  breath,  he 
lay  down  on  his  back  to  rest ;  one  more  shovelful,  and  he 
would  be  at  the  chest ;  but  over  him  whirled  a  large  round 
rock,  like  a  millstone,  that  rose  and  fell  at  a  great  rate, 
wheeling  all  the  time.  Speak  he  would  not,  and  speak  they 
were  determined  he  should.  Down  the  stone  again  came, 
till  he  thought  it  touched  the  hair  of  his  head,  when  forgetting 
himself,  he  cried,  '  Off,  you  black  duivel.'  The  words  no  sooner 
left  his  mouth  than  all  was  pitch  dark,  and  he  was  left  there 
lying  till  the  morning.  He  declares  till  this  day,  if  he  could 
only  have  held  his  peace,  he  would  have  been  rich  enough 
by  this  time.  So  superstitious  are  the  people,  that  many  of 
them  think  that  the  hermit  is  either  Hendrick  Hudson,  or 
the  '  spook '  that  guards  the  money-chest  of  Captain  Kidd." 

"  But  whom  does  Elsie  think  he  is  ?  He  must  be  some 
one  worth  speaking  of,  when  you  are  so  interested  in  him." 

"  I  dare  not  say  all  I  think  of  him,  my  lady.  He  takes  up 
the  most  of  his  time  in  reading  and  writing ;  he  knows  all 
that  is  going  on,  which  makes  me  think  he  must  be  in  com- 
munication with  strange  things  and  persons.  He  wanders 
every  day  to  the  top  of  the  mountain,  and  sometimes  comes 
this  way,  looking  always  as  if  he  expected  some  one  from  the 
west.  At  such  times  he  is  fearful  to  look  upon." 

"  You  are  not  afraid  of  him  yourself  since  you  have  heard 
his  account  of  the  May  Queen  ?" 

"  No,  Miss  Clinton  ;  he  is  always  calm  and  quiet  when  I  am 
near  to  him.  He  tells  me  of  things  he  has  seen  and  of  some 
things  he  has  done.  He  has  been  in  battles,  by  land  and  sea. 
But  hush !  I  am  speaking  too  loud ;  I  sometimes  think  he  knows 
my  very  thoughts.  Hark !  there  is  Rover's  bark.  Hush !  there 
is  the  wildcat's  mew,  as  sure  as  I  live.  Quick !  let  us  to  the 
bed  of  the  stream.  My  mother  is  afraid,  and  is  calling  us." 

Here  the  mewing  became  more  distinct,  to  which  Elsie 
answered  by  putting  her  hand  to  her  mouth,  giving  out  a 
sound  which  imitated  a  young  kitten,  eager  to  reach  its 
mother.  Lowering  her  own  head,  she  signed  to  her  com- 
panion to  follow  her  example  as  they  ran  toward  the  tall, 
where  Angelica  was  waiting  for  them  in  the  intensest  anxiety. 
Rover  stood  trembling  by  her  side  ;  then  running  up  to  Elsie, 
he  cowered  down  as  if  he  had  been  chastised ;  every  now  and 
then  giving  forth  a  short,  quick  bark,  more  through  terror 
than  eagerness  to  be  sent  out  on  a  hunt. 


QUEEN    OF   THE    MOUNTAIN.  Q^l 

**  Some  wild  animal,"  was  the  ready  explanation  of  the 
experienced  girl,  who  having  been  so  often  out  with  her 
father,  had  seen  the  dog  tremble  before  when  through  instinct 
he  perceived  an  enemy  ne.ir.  To  this  the  mother  assented, 
when  she  listened  and  heard  a  howl  so  fierce  and  deep,  that 
it  almost  made  her  blood  to  freeze  in  her  veins.  All  the  four 
stood  gazing  down  the  ravine,  every  sense  quickened  to  the 
utmost ;  while  as  howl  after  howl  came  up,  nearer  every  time, 
they  felt  the  chills  of  death  coming  over  them.  After  a  time, 
it  seemed  as  if  the  yells  were  changed  in  their  depth,  and 
that  some  power  stronger  than  the  animal,  Avhatever  it  was, 
held  it  in  check.  This  was  confirmed  by  the  increasing  bold- 
ness of  the  dog,  which  was  seen  in  his  running  as  far  as  the 
verge  of  the  shelf,  and  even  putting  his  paws  forward  on  a 
tree  that  grew  near  tho  sdge,  then  Doming  back,  as  if  he 
wished  to  encourage  his  friends.  The  cause  of  this  alarm 
must  be  explained  in  the  next  book. 


BOOK    II. 


THK 

BURNING    OF    SOPUS 

AND 

THE  IMMEDIATE  CONSEQUENCES  THEREOF. 


BOOK   II 


OUB  History,  to  be  understood,  must  be  suspended  until 
\re  gather  up  the  other  events  which  had  already  taken 
place  within  two  days  past,  and  to  which  some  allusion  has 
been  made ;  therefore,  our  attention  is  directed  to  the  town 
of  Sopus. 

This  town  now  stands  third  in  rank  arnoug  the  towns 
of  the  Province  of  New  York.  If  the  historian  has  aught 
of  a  prophet's  eye,  he  would  say,  from  all  that  he  sees  around 
jSopus — her  rich  and  enterprising  population,  her  tine  situa- 
tion— that  he  believes  the  time  will  arrive,  when  many  a  fail- 
daughter  rising  up  around  her  will  do  her  iK«nor,  for  the  ser- 
vice she  has  done  as  a  mother  town  of  the  olden  time. 
Here  dwell  the  various  races,  which  when  mixed,  produce 
men  of  energy  and  spirit.  The  blood  of  the  lively  Huguenot 
mingles  in  the  sluggish  stream  of  the  phlegmatic  Hollander, 
making  her  people  prompt  and  untiring,  and  her  magistracy 
grave  and  dignified  as  those  of  old  Amsterdam.  She  has 
grown,  it  is  true,  somewhat  proud  of  her  size,  more  especially 
since  the  stores  for  the  northern  army  were  placed  with  her 
for  safe  keeping.  At  the  time  of  our  history  two  of  tho 
most  important  cos  mentions  of  the  land  were  in  session — no 
.ess  than  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  the  first  Synovl  of  tl>« 

905 


206  THE   DtJTCa   DOMINIE. 

Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  church  of  North  America.  No 
marvel  that  Sopus  in  matronly  pride  had  swelled  her  skirts 
to  a  city  size,  demanding  homage  of  her  neighbors. 

Alas!  how  true  it  is  that  a  high  look  goeth  before  a  fall. 
How  frequently  do  those  very  marks  of  honor  attract  the 
eye  of  the  enemy.  The  star  upon  the  soldier's  breast  glitters, 
BO  that  the  marksman  obtains  the  more  certain  aim. 


CHAPTER  L 

THE   ANTEDILUVIAK  DEBATE   CONTINUED. 

"  By  ceaseless  action  all  that  is  subsists ; 
Winds  from  all  quarters  agitate  the  air 
And  fit  the  liquid  element  for  use. 
Else  noxious ;  oceans,  rivers,  lakes  and  streama, 
All  feel  the  freshening  impulse,  and  are  cleansed 
By  restless  undulation  ;  even  the  oak 
Thrives  by  the  rude  concussion  of  the  storm. 

A  NEW  ENGLISH  POET. 

THE  stranger  calling  himself  Captain  Whittesley  was  at- 
tracting notice,  and  yet  no  one  knew  why,  since  he  had 
shown  his  papers  to  be  regular  and  his  bearing  to  be  digni- 
fied. Elder  Swart,  however,  had  as  yet  no  suspicion.  Too 
simple-minded,  he  believed  all  men  to  be  as  they  seemed,  yet 
he  could  not  help  being  surprised  at  the  effect  of  Whittes- 
ley's  eye  on  some  of  the  Dominies,  and  while  on  the  way 
from  the  church  to  the  court-house  hall  he  said: 

"So  you  know  something  about  our  Dominies?  I  supposed 
you  to  be  ignorant  of  all  our  regions,  and  of  all  our  private 
concerns  on  the  west  side  of  the  North  River.  Have  you 
been  in  Ulster  before  ?" 

Just  at  this  moment  Jan  Freer  stepped  up  to  the  captain  ; 
standing  in  the  path  before  him,  with  the  evident  intention 
of  speaking  to  him  ;  but  the  effect  of  Whittesley's  eye  on  the 
spirit  of  the  rough  Dutchman,  was  like  that  of  a  man  on  an 
inhabitant  of  the  forest ;  he  all  but  fell,  and  allowed  the  cap- 
tain to  pass ;  while  recovering  himself,  he  stared  after  Whit- 
tesley with  mouth  open  and  twisted  legs,  that  showed  the 
uncertainty  of  their  owner's  intentions.  He  was  wakened  out 
of  his  confusion  by  a  full  chorus  of  laughter  that  came  from 
the  loungers  standing  on  the  tavern  stoop  opposite,  where, 
through  the  force  of  habit,  he  turned  to  go. 

"  What's  the  matter  with  you  Jan  ?  that  you  gape  so 
after  the  Yankee  stranger  ?  You  seem  as  if  a  witcli  had 
scalded  you." 

"  The  devil  it  is,  or  else  the  spy  is  come  back  again."   And 


208  THE   DUTCH   DOMDTIE. 

so  he  went  on  to  tell  the  same  story  of  getting  the  "  fifteen 
shillings  and  sixpence,"  and  of  its  being  the  dearest  money 
he  ever  earned.  He  only  wished  he  could  hear  him  say  that 
and  count  it  out  to  him  as  before,  and  he  could  tell  more 
than  any  of  them  knew. 

Thus  the  suspicion  grew,  and  while  no  man  would  have 
dared  to  put  his  thoughts  into  words,  there  were  few  who 
did  not  feel  strangely  as  this  man  passed  by  them  even  on 
the  other  side.  By  this  time  it  was  known  that  he  had 
broken  up  the  Classis  in  some  way,  and  all  felt  curious  to 
know  if  he  was  about  to  do  the  same  to  the  Congress.  Still 
Elder  Swart,  who  had  taken  Captain  Whittesley  under  his 
care,  had  no  such  suspicion  in  his  mind. 

Congress  was  met,  and  had  already  proceeded  to  business 
They  were  a  set  of  grave  and  able  men,  composed  of  the  best 
and  the  wisest  of  our  State,  and  of  whom  any  State  might 
well  be  proud.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt  sat  as  President,  while 
round  a  plain  deal  table,  covered  with  books  and  papers,  sat 
the  Roosevelts,  the  Dunscombes,  and  the  Morris's  of  New- 
York  city;  Cantine  and  Rhea  of  Ulster,  with  a  host  of  men, 
such  as  Adgate  and  L'Hommedieu,  Brasher  and  Van  Zaudt, 
and  Wisnar  of  Orange. 

The  point  before  the  Congress  was  one  that  had  been 
discussed  warmly  on  the  preceding  day,  and  would  have 
passed  but  for  one  of  those  artful  manoeuvres  which  pub- 
lic bodies  see  played  before  them,  without  the  possibility 
of  hindrance.  The  freedom  of  all  the  slaves  of  the  State  was 
seriously  demanded,  and  even  earnestly  prayed  for  by  many. 
All  the  members  from  the  city  were  in  favor  it,  though  it 
cannot  be  said  of  them  that  their  voices  were  raised  through 
an  extra  share  of  humanity,  but  because,  having  none  or  few 
of  their  own,  it  would  be  no  great  loss  to  them ;  while  the 
members  in  the  country,  being  sadly  pressed  for  military  duty, 
required  their  blacks  to  remain  and  work  for  them  at  home. 
That  kind-hearted  man  from  Suffolk,  L'Hommedieu,  produced 
his  motion,  which  had  lain  on  the  table  for  weeks,  arid 
would  have  been  acted  on  before,  had  not  that  cautious  man 
from  Ulster,  Adam  De  Witt,  seen  that  let  but  one  member 
be  wanting,  no  quorum  would  be  left,  so  he  slipped  out  of 
doors,  and  the  motion  fell  to  the  ground  for  that  day. 

The  other  side  were  now  in  full  force,  though  not  over 
strong,  and  their  orator  was  in  the  depth  of  his  argument,  as 
the  two  men  we  have  spoken  of  entered.  It  seemed  to  Elder 
Swart  as  if  two  or  more  of  the  leaders  gave  a  sudden  start 


THE   ANTEDILUVIAN   DEBATE   CONTINUED.  209 

as  they  caught  a  glimpse  of  his  companion's  countenance. 
The  orator  on  his  legs  evidently  felt  something  like  a  cold 
chill  running  down  his  spine,  for  he  faltered  in  the  midst  of 
his  sentence;  and  after  reading  a  resolution  against  the  "ex- 
pediency of  any  measure  which  would  liberate  the  slaves  at 
the  present  time,"  sat  down  confused. 

At  the  close  of  this  act,  one  member  rose  in  great  fervor, 
arguing  the  humanity  and  the  justice  of  a  measure  which 
would  "  set  all  free,  since  all  were  alike  entitled  to  liberty ; 
and  what  more  fit  and  proper  time  than  the  present  day, 
when  struggling  for  it  ourselves  ?" 

The  answer  to  this  was  plain,  and  regarded  by  the  other 
side  as  complete.  "  Let  the  negroes  know  as  well  how  to  use 
their  freedom  as  we  do  ours,  and  then  shall  they  have  their 
rights.  But  what  do  we  hear  from  all  the  counties  but  the 
rumor  of  uprisings,  under  the  impression  that  the  day  that 
bondage  is  past,  the  property  of  their  masters  must  be 
divided ;  for  how  else  can  they  be  kept  from  starvation  and 
misery,  unless  we  preserve  them  in  life  as  we  are  doing  to- 
day ?" 

"  And  have  not  we  heard,"  says  another,  "  of  the  bounty 
which  the  king  offers  for  the  thumb  of  every  Dutchman, 
brought  to  the  sheriff  by  a  black,  if  he  can  prove  it  to  have 
been  that  of  his  master,  and  he  a  Whig  ?" 

While  these  cross-firings  were  going  on,  Elder  Swart 
observed  that  his  new-made  acquaintance  was  exchanging 
signs  and  motions  with  persons  present,  such  as  he  had  seen 
among  members  of  the  Masonic  order,  which  excited  his 
attention  so  much,  that  he  resolved  to  watch  more  closely  ; 
for  though  he  was  but  a  blunt-looking  man,  the  times  had 
developed  his  perceptive  powers  so  fully,  that  somnolence 
was  no  part  of  his  real  character,  however  it  nv.ght  ap- 
pear. At  the  very  moment  his  consciousness  was  awakened, 
Governor  Clinton  entered  the  hall,  walking  right  into  tho 
centre,  exchanging  a  few  courtesies  as  he  passed  the  different 
chairs.  Sitting  down  immediately  opposite  our  two  acquaint- 
ances, he  lifted  his  eyes  in  a  state  of  abstraction,  as  if  intend- 
ing to  listen,  not  to  see ;  but  the  instant  he  fastened  his  sight, 
on  the  man  called  Whittesley,  it  seemed  as  if  a  snake  had 
fascinated  him.  Nor  did  the  other  shrink  from  the  scrutiny. 
It  was  plain  that  the  governor  had  the  least  power  of  eye  : 
for,  as  if  by  impulse,  he  stooped  forward  to  the  ear  of  Svvart's 
acquaintance,  whispering :  "  Let  us  leave  the  hall  for  a  mo- 
ment." 


210  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  No  need  of  that,"  said  the  man  addressed,  who  sat  ir.  the 
most  imperturbable  coolness,  while  the  governor  shoot  with 
a  visible  tremor,  like  what  an  animal  shows  when  something 
alarms  it,  though  it  may  not  move. 

"How  far  are  they  from  us?"  was  the  anxious  inquiry  ci 
the  governor. 

"  At  the  elbow  below,"  was  all  that  the  other  said  ;  and  it 
seemed  as  if  his  lips  did  not  move  as  he  spoke. 

"  Who  are  on  board,  and  for  what  do  they  come  ?"  said 
tke  state  officer,  quickly,  "  and  what  is  the  errand  that  brings 
them  ?» 

"  What  he  wrote  to  you  concerning,  brings  himself,  for  he 
would  trust  no  one  else ;  and  the  love  of  adventure  induced 

to  steal  on  board,  as  she  threatened  in  her  letter  to 

your  lady." 

"  My  God,"  said  the  distressed  governor,  "  what  shall  I 
do  ?  I  could  shoot  him,  after  despising  his  bribe ;  but  what 
shall  I  do  with  that  romantic  fool !  How  shall  I  dispose  of 
her !" 

"  She  is  already  disposed  of,"  was  the  cool  answer. 

"  God  be  praised,"  broke  in  the  governor  again.  "  I  can 
tuoi  him  off,  but  she  would  wile  the  partridge  from  the 
hawk;  and  were  she  to  come  here,  as  she  threatened  last 
summer,  it  would  ruin  me  with  my  enemies  ;  and  yet  I  would 
sooner  die  than  see  a  hair  of  her  head  hurt.  Where  is  she 
gone  ?  You  say  she  is  disposed  of." 

"  Stolen,  and  taken  to  the  mountains,"  was  the  answer 
that  came  from  the  strange  man  ;  for  no  one,  looking  at  him, 
could  see  that  he  spoke,  unless  they  narrowly  watched  his 
mouth. 

"Stolen,  and  taken  to  the  mountains!  Stolen,  and 
taken  to  the  mountains !  Gracious  heavens !  what  do  you 
mean  ?  How  do  you  know  ?  Where  have  you  been  wan- 
dering ?" 

"Silence,  your  excellency.  You  are  observed.  Carry 
that  to  the  president,  and  sit  down  in  your  own  place." 

The  governor  did  as  he  was  told,  when  very  soon  the  pre- 
sident rose  and  said : 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Congress,  we  have  other  duties  before 
us  than  that  which  now  takes  up  your  attention.  This  mis- 
give informs  me  that  the  ship  Vulture,  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  Vaughan,  may  be  expected  to  put  a  body  of  troops 
on  shore,  somewhere  at  the  mouth  of  the  Roundout  for  the 
purpose  of  destroying  the  stores  in  this  place,  and  dispersing 


THE    ANTEDILUVIAN   DEBATE   COJSTINUKD.  211 

this  convention  of  the  free  State  of  New  York.  What  is 
your  pleasure  in  the  premises  ?" 

The  commotion  which  arose  after  this  announcement  soon 
gave  place  to  a  vigorous  debate  concerning  the  duty  of  the 
Congress  remaining  in  session  till  driven  from  the  hall  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet. 

"Remain,  surely  let  us  remain  in  the  place  where  our  fel- 
low-citizens have  put  us.  It  is  for  us,  as  the  heads  of  the 
people,  to  stand  firm  and  show  ourselves  to  be  men  of  nerve. 
Our  blood  may  be  the  shower  that  will  water  the  root  of  the 
tree  of  liberty,  and  the  pears  it  will  bear  in  the  future  yeait> 
of  the  country's  history  will  be  richer,  in  flavor  and  mor& 
nourishing  than  the  tree  of  England,  with  even  Lord  Chat- 
ham in  the  topmost  branch." 

This  was  said  by  Colonel  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  who  was 
furious  in  his  courage,  and  seemed  to  have  in  his  mind  more 
than  he  chose  to  utter.  The  next  who  succeeded  him  was 
less  restrained,  pointing  evidently  at  the  governor,  casting 
glances  all  the  time  at  that  side  of  the  house  where  Elder 
Swart  and  Captain  Whittesley  were  sitting. 

"  Fight !  Yes,  let  us  fight,"  said  Judge  Cantine,  who  had 
his  own  reason  for  being  envious  of  the  position  which  Clin- 
ton, the  son  of  an  Irishman,  occupied  over  him,  a  native 
Dutchman  ;  "  there  is  sometimes  good  reasons  for  making  a 
man's  cousin  a  general  and  another  a  governor.  There  is 
much  in  a  name.  Putting  such  power  into  the  hands  of  men 
near  of  kin  with  the  enemies  of  our  country ;  more  by  reason 
that  cases  of  Madeira  can  find  their  way  before  kindly  offers 
of  services  are  sent.  Fight!  yes  rather  lose  our  lives  hero 
than  our  heads  on  the  scaffold." 

The  governor,  who  heard  ah1  this  and  understood  tho 
meaning  of  the  insinuation,  was  waiting  to  meet  these  secret 
thrusts  by  something  that  might  tell  more  forcibly  than 
words ;  but  the  president,  who  perceived  the  storm  that  was 
brewing,  reminded  the  members  that  they  had  tunned  aside 
from  the  question  before  them  into  undignified  personali- 
ties. 

"  We  have  other  work  upon  our  hands  this  day,"  said  he 
with  great  dignity,  "  than  to  fall  below  ourselves,  by  throw- 
ing out  dark  insinuations  ;  which  must  tend  to  divide  us, 
when  we  ought  to  show  an  undivided  front  to  the  enemy. 
You  men  of  classical  lore,  can  tell  who  it  was  among  the 
ancients,  who  finding  a  spy  in  his  camp  sent  hint  back  to  his 
master,  after  showing  him  all  his  strength,  so  that  a  good 


212  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

report  might  be  rendered.  How  do  you  mean  to  meet  the 
enemy,  should  he  be  rash  enough  to  land  his  forces  on  the 
river  bank  ?" 

The  business  of  the  Congress  was  becoming  so  confused 
toward  the  close  of  the  President's  short  speech,  that  his  ad- 
vice all  but  fell  unheeded  upon  ears  listening  to  private 
words.  It  was  more  of  a  mob  debate  than  that  of  sober 
statesmen.  Those  persons  against  whom  the  insinuations 
were  aimed,  were  hotly  engaged  with  their  assailants  ;  and 
among  them  Governor  Clinton  was  the  hottest.  His 
Milesian  blood  was  up,  and  would  have  boiled  over  had  not 
Judge  Cantine  met  him  as  a  man  shaped  out  of  Holland 
clay  may  be  supposed  to  receive  the  knuckles  of  an  Irish- 
man in  a  fury.  How  far  the  fray  might  have  been  carried, 
history  does  not  tell,  but  for  the  booming  of  a  cannon  from 
the  river  side  which  informed  the  debaters  that  a  common 
enemy  was  at  hand,  which  demanded  both  property  and  per- 
son. Here  a  calm  and  dignified  member  stood  up,  to  whom  all 
gave  heed  the  moment  he  opened  his  lips  : 

"  President  and  Gentlemen:  We  are  on  the  eve  of  another 
struggle  ;  and  though  it  may  sound  strangely  in  your  ears, 
I  rejoice  at  the  prospect  of  blood  being  shed,  and  of  iire 
being  kindled.  You  will  agree  with  me  when  I  read  to  you 
what  has  been  sent  hither  by  a  trusty  and  carefid  friend  in 
New  York,  written  to  me  in  cipher,  with  which  you  must  be 
satisfied  through  my  interpretation. 

"  To  THE  HON.  MORRIS  : 

"The  messenger  who  gives  this  into  your  hand  will  explain  it 
fully.  Vaughan  goes  in  charge  of  an  expedition  to  Albany,  to  fight  ad  he 
loves  to  tight.  Sir  Henry  goes  to  bribe  his  cousin  :  Vaughan  swears  he 
will  burn  the  spot  of  blood  out,  if  there  be  any  cousin  iu  this  colony  of 
rebels." 

With  this  the  hitherto  silent  member  sat  down ;  while  a 
second  cannon  boomed  through  the  air,  which  by  this  timo 
was  becornimg  so  filled  with  voices  out  of  doors,  that  little- 
could  have  besn  heard  within,  however  inclined  any  one 
might  be  for  speech  making.  Besides,  the  constant  going  hi 
and  coming  out  prevented  the  desire  which  the  eager  men 
had  of  rising  up  against  the  treason  they  imagined  they  saw 
in  all  from  whom  they  differed.  Another  report,  and  they 
separated  in  hot  haste,  for  now  they  knew  that  the  dangei 
was  imminent.  Since  Vaughan  and  his  soldiers  were  near 
there  was  no  time  to  lo.se. 


LOVE    STBONGEE   THAN    DKATH.  213 

In  the  meantime  all  the  suspecting  members  had  their  eye 
on  Whittesley.  Orders  had  been  privately  issued  to  watch 
all  the  roads  out  of  Sopus,  and  stop  every  one  that  might  be 
seen  escaping  from  observation,  and  bring  them  before  the 
commanding  officer,  Colonel  Hausbrouck,  who,  being  a  true 
Dutchman,  was  loyal  to  that  interest.  But  in  the  midst  of 
the  personal  commotion  ;  some  say  of  the  fright,  which  the 
approach  of  Vaughan  occasioned  in  the  Congress,  Whittesley 
found  his  way  out ;  nor  was  it  observed,  till  Elder  Swart 
started  up  from  off  his  seat,  asking  where  the  Yankee  cap- 
tain had  gone. 

On  the  road  to  Plattekill,  riding  at  full  speed,  a  single 
horseman  was  seen  toward  the  dusk  of  the  evening,  but  the 
folks  of  Sopus  had  business  of  their  own  on  hand ;  and  the 
strange  captain  was  not  thought  of  more  that  day,  though 
Jan  Freer  maintained  till  he  died,  that  it  was  the  same  man 
who  had  hired  him  in  the  night ;  and  gave  him  fifteen  shil- 
lings and  saxpence  for  a  sail. 


CHAPTER  H. 

LOV£     STRONGER     THAN     DEATH. 

*•  The  rabbins  write  when  any  Jew 
Did  make  to  God  or  man  a  vow, 
Which  afterward  he  found  untoward 
Or  stubborn  io  be  kept,  or  too  hard, 
Any  three  other  Jews  of  th'  nation 
Might  free  him  from  his  obligation." 

HUDIBBAS. 

Hrs  majesty's  ship,  the  Vulture — well  named — was  making 
slow  progresr  up  the  Hudson  River  on  a  special  expedition 
on  behalf  of  the  northern  army.  General  Vaughan  held  a 
carte  blanche,  on  which  he  might  inscribe  what  he  saw  fit, 
provided  that  the  general  cause  was  advanced. 

As  this  voyage  was  regarded  in  New  York  in  the  light  of 
a  pleasure  trip  for  sport,  more  than  as  an  expedition  of  a  war- 
like character,  there  were  numbers  who  sued  for  permission 
to  join  it,  yo  that  they  might  witness  with  their  own  eyes 
those  romantic  scenes  spoken  of  and  sung  since  the  days  ot 
Raleigh.  They  longed  to  visit  those  grand  old  woods  where 
the  wild  beasts  lay,  still  undisturbed  ;  and  the  red  man,  that 


214  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

western  Greek  of  lofty  sentiment  and  of  heroic  deeds,  so 
captivating  to  the  youthful  mind.  All  such  persons  as  were 
sick  of  the  worn-out  forms  of  European  society  desired  this 
fresh  and  new  world.  In  this  way  the  enthusiastic  and  loyal 
sought  the  opportunity  of  a  pleasure  sail  on  board  of  this 
powerful  ship. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  either  sought  or  demanded  a  small  cabin 
for  himself  and  family  on  this  occasion.  He  held  also  a  carte 
Blanche  of  another  character.  He  deemed  that  he  himself 
W&s  the  sole  keeper  of  his  majesty's  private  seal ;  but  a  bird 
"X  the  air  will  chirp  into  the  ear  of  an  envious  or  ambitious 
man,  and  Vaughan  would  play  second  to  no  one.  The  king 
had  many  friends  who  dwelt  far  inland.  Messages  must  be 
borne  thither  for  their  encouragement.  Gifts  from  the  crown 
were  to  be  scattered  liberally.  Every  man  must  have  his 
price  paid  to  him.  Before  that  could  be  counted  out  the 
man  must  be  known.  George  Clinton,  governor  of  this  new 
State,  was  well  known  to  be  related  to  Sir  Henry,  and  the 
rebel  might  be  bought,  could  the  colonist  be  seen  by  himself. 
All  efforts  had  hitherto  failed,  though  friendly  exchanges  of 
word  and  deed  had  passed  between  them,  such  as  genilemen, 
possep.sed  of  self-respect,  always  show  even  in  times  of  war. 
Frequently,  in  a  jocular  vein,  the  knight  l:ad  threatened  to 
pay  the  governor  a  flying  visit,  just  to  see  whether  his  good 
blood  had  all  oozed  out  or  not ;  while  the  colonist,  with  equal 
good  humor,  replied  that  Sir  Henry  would  find  that  he  had 
plenty  of  "blood  left  to  show  all  his  majesty's  servants  that 
he  was  still  a  man,  though  he  had  become  a  rebel." 

These  friendly  banterings  were  accompanied,  at  times,  by 
substantial  presents  and  tokens  of  good  will,  in  the  shape  of 
Cheshire  cheeses,  Burgundy  and  Port,  lauded  from  New 
York  by  some  skiff  that  ran  in  under  cover  of  Fort  Washing- 
ton, where  General  Clinton,  the  rebel,  kept  his  majesty's 
forces  at  bay.  These  unloadings  of  good  cheer  were  suffered 
to  pass  unmolested,  the  carrier  being  none  the  wiser.  Sly 
surmises  would  occasionally  be  muttered,  but  with  the  ex- 
ception of  some  envious  Dutchman,  who  found  fault  with  this 
sudden  promotion  of  the  Clintons,  all  was  quiet.  The  Mrs. 
Clinton  of  the  country,  sending  one  time  to  her  ladyship  of 
the  city  a  firkin  of  her  own  butter  from  the  cow,  with  a  pot 
of  apple  butter  from  the  orchard,  wrote  it  would  help  Miss 
Margaret's  dry  bread  to  slip  down  easier. 

These  several  acts  made  Sir  Henry  come  to  the  conclusion, 
in  his  own  mind,  that  perhaps  his  cousin  George  might  bo 


LOVE   STRONGER   THAX    DEATH.  215 

won  over  to  the  right-  side.  Could  he  but  have  a  chance  of 
seeing  him  incog.)  who  could  tell  what,  the  result  would  be  ? 
There  had  lately  arrived  a  full  pardon  for  all  past  offences, 
and  full  power  was  held  by  himself  to  advance  the  colonists 
who  might  be  worth  advancing,  to  any  station.  This  George 
Clinton  was  one  of  those  very  men,  and,  to  tell  the  truth, 
the  worthy  knight  was  so  proud  of  him  that  he  declared 
boldly,  had  he  been  anything  else  than  what  he  was,  a  true 
rebel,  he  would  have  despised  him  as  unworthy  the  name  he 
bore,  and  say  he  was  no  cousin  of  his. 

These  explanations  are  needed  to  account  for  the  presence 
of  those  persons  whom  we  find  on  board  of  the  Vulture  sloop 
of  war.  In  the  cabin  were  seated  a  deeply  interested  com- 
pany, whose  countenances  denoted  an  agony  of  mind  and  a 
tenderness  of  feeling  which  were  in  singular  contrast  to  the 
objects  presented  on  board  of  a  war  vessel.  The  machinery 
of  death  is  hardly  the  place  for  those  of  a  tearful  cast;  and 
yet  the  lion  and  the  lamb  are  never  seen  to  He  down  together 
in  any  place  so  generally  as  where  the  soldier  makes  it  his 
home.  A  sense  of  duty  will  triumph  over  the  feelings  of 
humanity,  so  as  to  look  on  death  and  rapine  without  re- 
morse. 

The  main  person  in  this  group  was  a  man  over  fifty  years 
of  age,  of  deeply-lined  countenance,  showing  determination 
and  firmness  of  purpose,  though  at  the  time  we  refer  to,  his 
lips  betrayed  the  yielding  of  the  soldier  to  the  nature  of  the 
man.  The  quiverings  of  those  lips  were  the  only  signs  seen 
of  what  was  moving  the  strings  of  his  heart.  Something 
more  than  great  public  events  was  the  cause  of  that  restless- 
ness, and  the  fiery  glances  which  shot  forth  from  beneath  his 
bushy  eyebrows  showed  that  a  crisis  of  some  kind  was  near 
at  hand.  Pacing  the  cabin  floor  with  uneven  steps,  when 
his  back  was  turned  he  could  be  seen  brushing  away  the  tear, 
lest  his  weakness  should  be  betrayed  to  his  friends  ;  though 
even  with  his  face  averted,  his  frame  told  the  careful  observer 
that  deep  passion  was  working  within. 

A  lady,  somewhat  younger  than  he,  but  past  the  flower 
of  beauty,  sat  in  a  richly  ornamented  chair,  in  a  still 
more  dejected  state  of  mind  than  her  lord.  Her  haiv, 
brushed  back  and  raised  upon  a  frame  of  wire  beneath 
according  to  the  fashion  of  our  times,  showed  a  brow  of  more 
masculine  form  than  one  loves  to  look  at  in  a  woman  dwelling 
at  home.  Not  a  wrinkle  showed  her  former  griefs,  if  she 
ever  had  any,  and  all  lines  of  care  were  alike  absent  from  her 


216  THE   DUTCH   DOMIXIE. 

whole  face.  She  had  seen  only  the  sunshine  of  life  ;  at  least 
no  cloud  had  rested  long  enough  to  le,;ve  its  shadow.  A 
dress  of  fawn-colored  velvet  hung  loosely  upon  her  body, 
clasped  at  the  neck  by  a  brilliant  diamond,  which  corre- 
sponded to  some  smaller  gems  of  the  same  water  in  her  hair. 
The  robe  was  no  stinted  pattern,  as  the  amplitude  of  its 
folds  showed,  even  when  she  sat;  but  when  she  rose,  the 
long  train,  which  she  managed  so  gracefully,  indicated  that 
she  had  moved  in  a  wider  saloon  than  the  narrow  compass 
to  which  she  was  now  confined.  Not  so  careful  to  restrain 
her  tears  as  her  partner  in  grief,  she  was  still  far  from  show- 
ing a  vulgar  sorrow.  Rising  in  one  of  her  ecstasies,  she  took 
hold  of  the  gentleman's  arm,  and  in  the  most  beseeching  and 
touching  manner  embraced  him  before  she  said : 

"  Henry  !  my  dear  Clinton,  let  the  young  men  have  leave 
to  go  in  search  of  our  beloved  child  !  Let  them  go  but  for  one 
day.  Alas,  it  may  be  too  late  already.  Oh,  my  dear  daugh- 
ter !  where  are  you  at  this  moment  ?  in  the  hands  of  that 
cruel  monster!  I  entreat  you  as  a  wife,  a  mother,  your  own 
wife,  to  yield  and  suffer  them — one  of  them,  if  not  both — to 
make  the  effort.  You  will  reproach  yourself  forever  after- 
ward unless  you  give  your  consent  now. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  for  it  was  none  else  than  that  brave 
man,  who,  for  reasons  of  Ids  own  was  here  a  passenger  on 
board  the  Vulture,  allowed  his  lady  to  vent  her  grief  and  her 
desire  in  words  before  he  attempted  to  speak  ;  then  turning 
around  and  looking  calmly  but  decidedly  into  her  face,  he 
said : 

"  Georgiana,  you  must  not  ask  what  it  is  impossible  to 
grant.  We  are  but  a  few  miles  from  that  rebel's  nest,  and 
Vaughan  has  resolved  to  burn  them  out,  and  how  can  he 
spare  two  of  his  chief  officers,  when  so  much  depends  on 
suddenness  and  promptitude  ?  Do  not  urge  it  at  this  critical 
moment.  Duty  is  above  all  other  considerations." 

"Oh,  my  child!  my  child!  and  must  I  sacrifice  thee  at 
the  shrine  of  duty  ?  Oh,  surely  the  God  who  gave  thee  to 
us  would  look  down  with  leniency  upon  a  neglect  that  would 
save  life  and  restore  thee.  Would  that  I  could  as  easily 
fall  before  my  sovereign  at  this  moment — as  easily  as  I  can 
before  my  God,  and  my  husband,  and  I  am  sure  tha*  '.he 
parental  feeling  of  the  good  king  would  yield  at  once,  and 
save  even  a  whole  city  willingly,  though  they  be  rebels,  for 
the  sake  of  saving  that  dear  girl,that  he  put  his  hand  upon 
and  said,  '  bless  thee,  child,  for  as  thou  art  beautiful  now, 


LOVE   STRONGER   THAN    DEATH.  217 

what  wilt  thou  be  in  womanhood  ?'  Could  he  but  see  her, 
and  hear  me  !  Oh,  Clinton,  yield,  yield  as  you  love  me,  and 
would  save  yourself  from  bitter  days  !" 

"  Duty,  duty,"  was  the  only  answer  the  agitated  father 
gave,  as  he  kindly  led  the  fainting  lady  to  her  seat,  and 
turned  away  toward  the  cabin  door,  which  opened  at  that 
moment,  when  there  entered  two  young  men  dressed  in  the 
different  uniforms  of  the  army  and  of  the  navy,  to  which  they 
severally  belonged.  They  were  about  the  same  age,  and  of 
the  true  English  build  of  body ;  firm,  stout,  and  yet  lithe  of 
limb ;  full  of  animal  energy  and  of  great  moral  force.  Though 
evidently  proud  of  their  station,  and  ready  to  do  battle  in 
behalf  of  their  king,  they  were  for  the  moment  under  the 
same  spell  that  held  Sir  Henry  and  his  lady  ;  one  of  the  two 
bore  the  family  contour  of  face,  and  was  recognized  at  once 
as  a  son ;  while  the  other,  of  dfirker  hue,  and  more  athleti^ 
form  even  than  his  companion,  unmistakably  belonged  to 
some  branch  of  the  Clintons,  of  which  there  are  many. 
The  one  ran  to  his  mother,  who  folded  him  in  her  arms,  and 
sobbing  out,  said :  "  Spare  me,  O  God,  one  child,  since  the 
other  has  gone.  Thy  ways  are  mysterious.  The  one  that 
was  truly  the  fawn  for  gentleness  and  grace,  has  fallen  into 
the  jaws"  of  the  wolf;  and  the  other,  exposed  to  every  dnnger, 
is  hore.  How  long,  thou  knowest,  O  God!  O  my  God!" 

The  son  was  silent  on  her  bosom,  but  his  eyelids  swam  in 
moistare,  as  he  was  whispering  some  words  in  the  ear  of  the 
brokbn-hearted  mother,  who  seemed  to  give  little  heed  for 
some  minutes,  till  by  and  by  she  caught  his  meaning,  what- 
ever that  was,  and  became  as  still  as  a  child  asleep,  evidently 
deeply  absorbed  in  what  he  was  communicating.  He  rose 
up  kissing  her  cheek,  which  she  returned  with  such  transport, 
that  it  appeared  more  like  a  farewell  embrace  than  a  simple 
adieu.  There  were  intelligent  glances  passing  between 
mother  and  son,  which  a  watchful  observer  would  have 
understood  to  mean  a  mutual  understanding  as  they  parted. 

In  the  meantime,  the  companion  of  young  Clinton,  who 
had  just  entered,  was  entreating  his  uncle  to  take  the  respon- 
sibility of  allowing  him  to  leave  immediately  on  the  search 
after  the  captive  lady,  whom  we  may  guess  to  be  none  else 
than  Miss  Margaret  Clinton,  the  present  ward  of  our  young 
Dutch  maiden,  Elsie  Schuyler  of  Hoogenhuisen.  The  knight 
was  invulnerable  to  all  entreaty,  and  even  angry  at  the 
urgency  of  the  youth;  though  no  doubt  his  anger  was  put  on 
to  save  himseh'  from  an  open  outburst  of  feeling. 

10 


218  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Urge  me  no  more,  Bertram,  as  you  love  rr.e  and  would 
serve  your  king.  It  would  ill  become  even  me,  though  I  had 
the  power,  to  release  you  from  the  duty  just  now  before  you, 
since  it  is  mine  to  encourage  merit  and  bravery,  rather  than 
to  screen  a  coward." 

"  Uncle  !  Sir  Henry,  what  do  you  mean  ?"  said  the  fiery 
youth,  at  the  sound  of  the  word  coward,  almost  forgetting 
the  distance  between  himself  and  the  party  addressed. 

"  I  mean,"  said  the  knight,  "  that  my  nephew's  name  must 
never  be  associated  with  that  of  coward,  even  by  the  breath 
of"  suspicion,  to  which  it  would  be  certainly  liable  if  he  should 
be  allowed  to  have  his  own  way." 

"  God  knows,  and  Sir  Henry  knows,  that  the  dangers  I 
would  encounter  are  tenfold  more  than  those  I  we  aid  avoid, 
and  most  willingly  would  we  encounter  both  were  time  not 

so  precious ;  another  day,  and  my  d  " .  He  was  going  to 

say  my  dear  Margaret,  but  checked  himself  by  saying, 
"  cousin  will  be  on  the  road  to  the  valley  of  Ske-nuda-wa  on 
the  Susquehanna,  where  that  villain  Kiskataam  said  his  wig- 
wam was  still  standing.  Could  I  get  within  pistol-shot  of  him 
that  serpent  eye  of  his  would  not  fascinate  another  bird 
from  its  twig,  and  that  smooth,  wily  tongue  would  not  tell 
another  Indiiin  lie  in  the  shape  of  a  tale." 

Silence  prevailed  in  that  small  circle  for  some  minutes, 
and  when  it  was  broken,  it  was  by  the  chief  in  self-reproaches 
at  his  own  former  laxity  of  duty. 

"  If  I  had  but  refused  that  bewitching  child  her  request,  of 
coming  up  this  cursed  fine  river  with  us,  there  would  have 
been  no  trouble  ;  but  her  voice  has  always  been  law  to  me  on 
all  things  where  her  love  of  nature  and  of  the  romantic  are 
BO  perfect.  Her  raptures  as  she  surveyed  this  new  country 
and  this  river,  that  I  hate  to  look  at  now,  always  charmed 
me  and  made  herself  more  beautiful ;  and  by  these  very 
means  I  have  lost  her  altogether.  I  should  have  resisted  her 
to  the  last,  and  I  am  justly  punished  for  my  tenderness." 

"  Clinton  !  Clinton  !"  said  the  lady,  "  do  not  blame  your- 
self nor  the  dear  child,  for  the  fault  lies  with  me.  I  begged 
on  her  behalf  that  she  might  see  the  dominions  of  thoso 
Indian  kings  that  she  admired ;  and  that  false-tongued 
serpent  told  her  so  much  of  those  mountains  which  we 
now  see  in  bold  outline,  that  her  imagination  became  fired 
at  the  prospect,  so  that  I  really  thought  at  the  time,  her 
brain  might  become  fevered,  unless  she  were  gratified  with 
the  sight  of  them.  That  brilliant  fancy  has  always  been 


IX)VE    STRONGER    THAN    DEATH.  21I> 

to  her  a  source  of  exquisite  pleasure  and  pain.  Now  I  fear 
that  her  death  must  follow.  Ah,  poor  child  !  how  I  loved  to 
hear  thee  tell  us  of  Switzerland,  and  of  Scotland,  and  wish 
that  you  could  only  see  from  the  top  of  some  high  mountain 
on  the  vale  of  the  Hudson.  Thou  wilt  look  down,  but  it  will 
be  as  the  poor  fawn  which  is  caught  in  the  claws  of  the 
eagle  for  prey,  and  taken  to  the  cliff  overhanging  the  gulf, 
either  to  be  devoured  or  dashed  to  pieces." 

These  lamentations  from  both  the  parents  were  more  in 
the  form  of  a  soliloquy  than  as  addresed  to  others,  for  they 
were  all  disinclined  to  hold  conversation  upon  the  subject ; 
and  yet  it  was  necessary  that  some  counsel  should  be  had 
concerning  future  operations,  after  the  attack  should  be 
passed,  which  had  been  already  determined  upon.  Sir  Henry 
was  willing  to  hear  propositions  in  prospect,  but  would  not 
venture  anything  at  the  present  moment.  He  rather  wished 
to  give  the  license,  but  after  what  he  had  said  of  duty,  would 
not  propose  it. 

"  I  never  could  bear  the  hateful  savage,"  said  the  knight, 
with  great  bitterness;  "and  had  my  counsel  been  followed, 
he  would  have  been  dismissed  -'rom  the  service  long 
since.  He  always  quailed  under  my  eye  since  I  ordered  him 
to  leave  head-quarters,  where  he  was  found  in  too  close  proxi- 
mity for  any  one  but  a  friend,  or  a  spy.  I  believed  him  to 
be  the  man  who  carried  the  report  of  our  planned  attack  upon 
Fort  Washington." 

"  Yes,  your  Excellency,"  said  Bertram,  "  it  was  your  dis- 
like to  him  that  kindled  his  revenge,  so  that  he  has  nursed 
it  ever  since  his  last  journey  to  the  north  and  west,  arid  he 
found  the  chance  too  easily  when  he  obtained  the  help  and 
the  countenance  of  another." 

"  Of  another !"  all  exclaimed  at  the  same  moment.  "  Who 
else,  and  why  should  any  one  have  any  design  upon  such  a 
pure  being  as  Margaret  ?" 

"It  may  not  be  known  to  you,"  continued  Bertram,  "that 
my  cousin  was  urgently  pressed  to  receive  the  addresses  of 
Colonel  Clifford,  previous  to  that  unhappy  affair  between 

him  and  his  friend  C ,  which  led  first  to  the  separation  of 

him  from  his  young  and  beautiful  wife,  and  then  to  her 

death,  when  C vowed  eternal  revenge,  which  made  you, 

Sir  Henry,  deem  it  best  to  send  Clifford  to  the  north,  under 
the  command  of  Burgoyne,  who  gave  hin  the  charge  of  Fort 
Niagara.  I  go  over  these  points  for  the  purpose  of  making 
out  what  we  used  to  call  a  hypothesis." 


220  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"Well,  Bertram,  you  are  very  long  in  coming  to  tha 
point ;  please  reach  your  conclusion  as  quickly  as  possible." 

"  Kiskataam  incidentally  mentioned  the  name  of  Clifford, 
as  an  officer  he  had  seen,  and  when  I  innocently  asked  the 
Indian  if  he  knew  the  commander  of  Fort  Niagara,  he 
hesitated  to  answer,  and  then  waived  the  reply,  which  I  could 
not  account  for  in  any  other  way  than  by  his  being  under  the 
pay  of  Clifford,  and  he  has  come  on  here  at  this  time,  both  to 
gratify  his  revenge  against  Sir  Henry  and  to  do  the  wicked 
work  of  his  master." 

"  But  Clifford,"  said  Lady  Clinton,  "would  not  dare  to 
return  to  society  again.  He  knows  that  the  king  would 
never  allow  a  man  so  lost  to  honor  to  see  his  face  in  the 
army,  or  his  name  upon  the  list." 

"  My  dear  aunt,"  said  Bertram,  "  men  under  the  power 
of  a  fierce  passion,  will  rather  lose  their  souls  than  go  ungra- 
tified.  Like  a  wild  animal,  Clifford  thinks  only  upon  the 
object  of  his  desire.  Honor,  peace,  and  future  reward,  here 
or  hereafter,  are  all  thrown  away  for  the  time,  so  that  his 
mind  may  be  bent  on  the  one  thing  before  him.  He  is  just 
such  a  man." 

Sir  Henry,  who  sat  in  astonished  silence  during  Bertram's 
ncital  of  his  suspicions,  broke  in  here,  by  saying  it  Avas 
utterly  impossible  that  Clifford,  or  any  man  of  the  army, 
could  be  so  lost  to  honor  and  ingratitude  as  ever  to  act  so 
unworthy  a  part,  after  the  responsibility  which  was  taken  by 
myself,  to  remove  him  where  the  stigma  would  not  be  seen. 
Besides,  I  had  a  letter  from  him  lately,  in  which  he  expresses 
himself  in  the  most  becoming  manner.  See,  there  it  is 
at  this  moment.  It  refers  to  matters  of  a  public  natxire 
chiefly,  but  a  postscript  is  added,  in  which  his  remembrances 
of  my  kindness  are  made  in  the  most  delicate  and  appro- 
priate manner." 

"  Please,  sir,  to  say  who  it  was  that  brought  you  that  com- 
munication," said  Bertram,  with  great  readiness.  "  If  it  was 
the  Indian  my  suspicions  are  confirmed." 

"It  was  the  villain  Kiskataam,"  said  the  sorrowful  father, 
•low  fairly  infected  with  the  same  feeling  with  his  nephew  ; 
"  and  here,  in  further  proof,  he  says,  that  business  will  call 
him  down  to  the  frontier,  where  the  plan  is  being  carried 
out,  along  with  the  Mohawk  chief,  to  remove  some  captives 
from  the  rebel's  country  back  to  the  Fort  Niagara.  He  will 
be  happy  to  receive  any  commands  from  me,  or  from  M^s 
Margaret,  either  concerning  the  war  or  the  romance  of  tliid 


LOVE   STRONGER   THAN    DEATH.  221 

wonderful  country,  where  nature  plays  on  her  harp  equal  to 
herself." 

"  Yes,"  said  Bertram,  "  the  dishonored  man  is  somewhere 
up  there,  and  is  at  this  very  hour  watching  the  ship  and 
waiting  for  his  prey.  There  is  no  time  to  lose,  and  since  we 
are  not  to  be  allowed  to  leave  to-night  in  search  of  Margaret, 
I  may  as  well,  in  the  presence  of  my  aunt  and  of  Clarence,  lay 
my  own  suit  at  your  feet,  and  beg  you  to  smile  upon  our 
plighted  faith." 

"Bertram,"  said  Sir  Henry,  in  amazement,  "I  have  no 
daughter,  and  if  all  you  tell  us  be  true,  there  will  be  but  pain 
remaining  for  you,  and  for  us,  increased  by  the  consent  you 
would  obtain  in  a  moment,  did  I  but  know  how  to  direct 
you  honorably." 

"  Oh,"  said  Bertram,  "  I  could  run  over  the  mountains  like 
the  deer,  with  the  name  of  the  loved  one  on  my  lips ;  and 
hear  me  she  would.  Your  consent  would  give  me  wings." 

"  Hear  me,  then,"  said  the  grieved  soldier.  "  Were  my 
daughter  present,  I  would  put  your  hands  in  one,  and  give 
you  my  blessing.  In  the  meantime,  we  must  to  duty,  and 
perhaps  a  flag  of  truce  to  my  cousin  George,  the  Ulster  rebel, 
may  be  effectual.  We  shall  see." 

The  ship  had  turned  the  Elbow,*  and  was  catching  the  wind 
sufficiently,  so  that  she  might  at  any  moment  come  to  anchor. 
A  stiff  breeze  from  the  southwest  was  bringing  her  into  the 
Roundout  Creek,  where,  under  cover  of  the  night,  they 
intended  to  land  a  body  of  men,  who  would  march  up  to  the 
village  of  Sopus,  burn  and  destroy  it,  and  return  immediately. 
A  company  being  detailed  off,  and  put  under  the  command 
of  a  superior  officer,  who  was  to  have  Clarence  Clinton  as 
his  aid  ;  Bertram  begged,  and  was  allowed  to  go  along  as  a 
volunteer,  he  being  a  lieutenant  in  the  naval  service  on  board 
of  this  same  ship. 

"  Now,  Georgiana,  I  would  give  a  thousand  pounds  this 
day,  were  you  back  in  New  York.  This  is  no  place  for  you, 
thougli  you  be  the  wife  of  a  soldier."  This  was  said  by  Sir 
Henry,  in  a  spirit  that  showed  his  mortification  >t  being 
caught  in  such  a  mean  attack,  which  he  would  have  been 
glad  enough  to  have  read  about,  but  to  be  so  near  as  this, 
would  be  to  identify  him  with  it.  Besides,  the  loss  of  his 
daughter  affected  him  almost  superstitiously  ;  and  he  would 
have  countermanded  Vaughan's  orders,  if  he  durst  have 

•  A  point  on  the  river. 


222  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

taken  the  responsibility.  Lack  of  decision  was  ever  his  great 
defect. 

"  I  could  wish  myself  back  in  England,  and  you  with  me,'* 
said  the  Lady  Georgiana,  "  were  we  honorably  out  of  this 
murderous  war.  I  believe  the  judgment  of  the  Almighty  is 
falling  on  us  for  the  share  we  have  had  in  robbing  so  many 
hearthstones.  O  God,  what  light  have  we  to  complain  of 
thy  justice,  when  we  are  engaged  in  the  very  act  of  destroy- 
ing the  peace  of  a  whole  village." 

"  Georgiana,  do  have  mercy  upon  me  at  this  hour,  if  you 
have  none  upon  yourself.  You  know  that  this  lauding  is  en- 
tirely contrary  to  my  mind.  I  feel  that  it  must  end  against 
us  ;  and  it  will  ruin  the  plan  that  I  have  been  preparing  for  six 
months  past.  You  know  what  pains  I  have  been  at ;  indeed, 
I  may  say  we  have  had,  to  conciliate  these  colonial  cousins 
of  ours,  now  all  frustrated  by  this  headstrong  vanity  of 
Vaugnan.  Never  would  I  have  given  my  consent  to  Avhat 
must  break  up  all  our  chances  of  bringing  over  the  very  head 
of  this  new  State,  and  a  general  to  boot.  Curse  Vaughan 
for  all  this."  And  with  that  he  went  on  deck,  where  he 
found  his  son,  who,  with  a  restrained  voice,  asked  his  father's 
blessing. 

While  together,  Bertram  and  Clarence  had  formed  a  des- 
perate plan,  to  which  the  mother  was  to  be  privy — to  leave 
immediately  after  the  attack  was  completed,  and  have  their 
names  appear  among  the  missing,  for  Avhich  no  one  would  be 
responsible  but  themselves.  They  hoped  to  be  able  to  justify 
their  conduct  by  their  success.  In  the  meantime,  it  was 
necessary  to  inform  Lady  Georgiana,  lest  her  heart  would 
break  at  the  thought  of  their  being  dead,  or  prisoners  among 
the  barbarous  rebels.  In  the  anxious  and  excited  state  of 
the  mother's  mind,  the  scheme  was  listened  to  with  delight ; 
and  when  parting,  she  exhorted  her  son  to  do  his  "  duty 
like  a  gallant  man  first,  and  then  pursue  the  murderous 
villain  to  the  end  of  the  earth ;  but  bring  me  back  my  dear 
child — your  own  sister,  my  son,  and  there  is  my  blessing." 
"  But  what  shall  I  say  to  your  father,  when  he  finds  you 
have  not  come  hi  with  the  rest  ?  I  must  weep,  and  yet  be 
satisfied  that  you  have  gone  on  my  errand." 

"  Sir  Henry,"  said  the  youth,  "  will  bear  up  well  till  we 
return,  which  cannot  be  more  than  a  week  at  the  most;  and 
if  you  see  a  fire  on  the  mountain — that  second  highest  peak 
that  we  admired  to  day — at  midnight,  after  forty-cngnt  hourst 
or  twenty-four  hours  beyond  that  time,  know  that  we  we 


LOVE   STRONGER   THAN   ™EATH.  O?3 

safe,  and  havo  got  trace  of  Margaret ;  tell  ray  father,  arid  he 
will  revive." 

"Go,  then,"  said  the  mother,  "but  I  tremble  lest  you  be 
lost  in  the  mountains.  Now  I  think  of  it,  that  rebel  cousin 
of  your  father's,  in  one  of  his  letters,  sent  me  this  hair  ring, 
which  his  daughter  worked  for  me.  You  see  that  it  has 
the  initials  of  her  name  in  the  centre.  Should  you  get 
into  difficulty,  take  this,  and  here  is  a  copy  of  the  note  I 
sent  to  her,  with  my  thanks.  These  will  prove  you  to  be 
our  son,  and  the  blood  relation  of  that  same  mock  gover- 
nor." 

"  We  will  keep  out  of  his  way,  for  he  may  play  Brutus, 
and  condemn  us  all  the  more  surely  that  we  are  his  kindred. 
I  have  a  more  certain  way  of  escape  than  that,"  said  Cla- 
rence. "  I  have  heard  that  same  false  Kiskataam  tell  of  his 
places  of  defence  on  the  tops  of  these  mountains.  You  saw 
him  sitting  with  us  a  whole  hour,  and  pointing  along  the 
ridges,  marking  out  distinctly  the  cloves,  and  telling  us  of 
the  roads  which  lead  over  the  country,  so  that  I  can  have  but 
little  difficulty  in  tracing  him,  with  some  help  from  the  inha- 
bitants. One  spot  of  great  interest  he  told  us  of,  and  which 
seemed  to  have  attractions  above  the  rest,  even  to  him, 
where  two  little  lakes  lie  close  to  each  other,  on  the  sides  of 
these  hills,  fed  from  the  surrounding  heights,  looking  like 
twin  sisters  brimful  of  love,  surging  over  their  affections  in 
a  stream  that  quietly  steals  through  the  trees  till  it  dashes 
over  a  high  precipice  a  few  miles  below,  then  finds  its  way 
to  this  river.  I  can  follow  that  as  my  guide,  and  find  him 
safely  lodged  among  his  own  thickets." 

"  Clarence,  you  are  too  like  your  sister  in  that  romantic 
spirit.  She  told  me  of  these  lakes,  and  of  the  tradition  of 
the  Indians  connected  with  them.  She  was  in  rapture  at  the 
very  prospect  of  seeing  them,  and  of  telling  me  the  story  on 
their  verge.  It  grieves  me  to  the  soul  to  recall  her  descrip- 
tion as  the  false  flatterer  gave  it  to  her.  It  may  lead  you 
astray,  as  she  has  been  decoyed  ;  so  depend  not  upon  any- 
thing you  have  heard  from  him,  but  make  sure,  by  taking 
these  tokens  of  private  friendship  to  George  Clinton.  Rebel 
as  that  governor  is,  he  must  be  an  honorable  man,  pos- 
sessed of  a  warm  heart.  He  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  injured 
should  the  day  go  against  you." 

With  these  parting  words,  more  the  suggestions  of  her 
kind,  maternal  breast  than  the  dictates  of  her  cool  judgment, 
the  mother  and  son  separated  in  doubt. 


224  THE   DUTCH   DOMUSIE. 


CHAPTER  HI. 

THE   SPOET   OF  A  FOOL,    CASTING  FIREBRANDS,  ARROWS 
AND    DEATH. 

"  The  tempest  falls, 

The  weary  winds  sink  breathless.     But  who  knows 
What  fiercer  tempest  yet  may  shake  this  night." 

THOMSON." 

THE  Lady  Clinton  saw  how  a  false  movement  on  her  part 
might  bring  disgrace  on  her  liege  lord's  i'air  fame.  Her 
woman's  wit  perceived  the  ground  of  Yaughan's  ill-advised 
attack  upon  the  unoffending  people  of  Sop  us,  and  its  con- 
sequences upon  Sir  Henry's  mission.  Vaughan  would  accom- 
plish what  he  really  intended — cutting  off  all  hope  of  nego- 
tiation with  the  rebel  governor.  To  counteract  the  certain 
evil  effects  to  her  family,  who  might  be  brought  to  plead  for 
his  help,  was  now  her  secret  aim. 

The  two  young  men  agreed  upon  their  signals  and  on 
where  they  were  to  meet :  two  shrill  whistles  at  brief  inter- 
vals of  time,  an  hour  after  midnight,  unless  they  met  earlier, 
should  the  attack  be  successfully  made  and  over  before 
that  time.  Bertram  had  possessed  Clarence  with  the  same 
opinion  he  had  formed  himself,  that  Kiskataam  was  on  his 
•way  to  Canada  by  the  western  route,  and  their  only  chance 
of  overtaking  him  was  to  start  up  the  mountain  at  the 
nearest  point,  and  get  beyond  the  rebel  border,  when,  as 
king's  officers,  they  would  pass  free  through  the  country 
of  the  friendly  tribes,  who  were  the  only  inhabitants  west  of 
the  Kaatsbergs.  "  We  can  get  before  them,"  said  that 
ardent  youth,  "for  they  must  travel  slowly  for  Margaret's 
sake." 

"  But  you  said  that  you  believed  Clifford  was  in  tlus 
scheme,  and  will  he  not  be  ready  to  receive  her  with  suf- 
ficient force  to  resist  our  attempt  at  rescue  ?" 

"Let  us  trust  to  chance  for  that;  none  but  the  brave 
deserve  the  fair.  A  traitor  is  always  a  coward ;  and  I  am 
persuaded  that  the  arch  hypocrite  dare  not  show  himself  to 
Margaret,  the  daughter  of  his  patron  and  friend,  till  the 
romance  is  pressed  out  of  her  mind,  through  her  captivity 


A  FOOL'S  SPORT.  225 

and  grief  He  then  will  appear  as  her  delivering  angel, 
claiming  her  hand  in  gratitude." 

"  Your  love,  Bertram,  has  made  your  fancy  creative  ;  but 
it  is  as  well  that  we  be  prepared  for  the  worst.  Here  let  us 
swear  fealty  on  her  behalf;  living  or  dying,  we  are  one." 

"  Agreed,"  said  the  other,  as  he  took  hold  of  his  friend's 
hand  ;  "  and  whoever  survives  to-night,  shall  carry  out  the 
plan  to  the  end." 

The  order  to  march  ran  secretly  along  the  line,  when  the 
sense  of  duty  swallowed  up  everything  of  individual  interest. 
The  sacking  of  a  village  or  the  changing  of  a  guard  was  the 
same  to  men  under  a  rule  of  iron.  The  corps  held  their  way, 
guided  by  some  men  of  the  country  in  the  king's  cause, 
through  a  broken  piece  of  land  for  about  three  miles  from 
the  river.  The  greatest  caution  was  used  ;  not  a  word  above 
a  whisper  was  spoken,  for  the  troops  of  king  George  had 
Learned  well  enough  that  it  was  dangerous  to  go  hunting, 
on  these  hunting-grounds,  so  far  away  from  Windsor  Castle. 
The  reputation  of  the  Ulster  militia  for  bravery  had  been 
heard  of  ere  this,  and  the  party  might  be  caught  in  their  own 
trap  —  a  veiy  common  thing  in  those  times. 

"Are  these  Dutchmen  as  good  at  handling  arms  as  the 
Yankees?"  whispered  Clarence  to  a  private  at  his  side, 
whom  he  knew  to  be  a  native  of  the  country,  and  who,  at  the 
present  time,  acted  as  one  of  the  guides.  "Do  you  suppose 
they  will  fight  ?  or  do  they  know  sufficient  of  this  quarrel  to 
risk  their  lives  against  the  king's  troops  ?" 

"  Fight  !"  said  the  other,  "  yes,  and  on  principle,  too,  as  1 
am  a  living  man.  There  is  not  one  of  them  but  knows  their 
rights,  and  their  wrongs  too,  for  that  matter.  Their  Dominie 
instructs  them  in  all  these  aftairs,  and  drills  them  into  line, 
Sunday  and  week  day." 

"And  does  something  of  the  fighting  too,  you  think,  if  I 
may  guess  from  your  speech  ?"  This  was  said  with  a  sly 
sneer,  which  the  young  officer  could  not  hide. 

"  The  use  of  the  sword  is  not  despised  by  these  Dominies; 
and  some  of  them  go  so  far  as  to  insist  that  the  minister 
should  carry  the  ark  before  the  army,  as  the  priests  did  in 
the  old  wars  ;  and  if  you,  sir,  had  looked  as  often  as  I  have 
into  the  large,  black  eyes  of  the  man  who  teaches  the  folks 
where  we  are  going,  you  woiild  believe  as  I  do."  Thid  was 


said  with  so  much  warmth  of  feeling,  that  Clarence  began  to 
suspect  that  he  was  speaking  to  a  partisan  of  the  country. 
"  So  then  you  know  and  rather  resoect  this  man  you  call 

10" 


226  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

the  Dominie  up  here  ?  how  does  it  happen  that  wo  have  you 
here  in  our  ranks  ?"  said  the  officer,  with  some  sharpness,  aa 
he  looked  into  the  man's  face  to  ascertain  the  efi'ect  it  might 
have  upon  him. 

"  This  cause,  sir,  like  another  we  read  of,  has  set  father 
against  son,  and  son  against  father."  This  was  s?:d  with 
feeling.  "  It  is  enough,"  he  continued,  "  that  1  am  now 
under  the  king's  flag,  and  sworn  to  be  true.  I  can  be  this 
without  losing  my  reverence  for  the  Dominie,  or  my  love  of 
his  flock.  He  will  fight  if  he  needs  to  take  the  field  ;  and  my 
advice  to  you  is,  keep  out  of  the  range  of  his  gun,  if  you 
want  to  leave  the  field  a  living  man." 

"  Ah,  a  good  shot  is  he  ?"  said  the  interrogator.  "  I  love 
the  man  that  can  shoot  straight  and  fair  on  all  sides,  though 
I  should  hate  to  be  taken  down  by  a  priest.  How  shall  1 
know  him  in  the  field?" 

"  My  description,"  said  the  earnest  young  man,  not  mind- 
ing the  jests  of  his  superior,  "  will  not  he  required.  He  lets 
his  presence  be  heard  and  felt.  He  has  little  mercy  upon  a 
Tory;  and  if  I  were  to  fall  into  his  hands,  he  would  do  Avith 
me  as  he  did  to  a  mean  Cowboy,  tie  me  to  his  horse's  tail, 
and  ride  me  to  death." 

"  And  would  you  stand  patiently  to  be  tied  ?"  said 
Clarence,  laughing  quietly  at  the  guide's  solemnity.  "  He 
must  have  great  power  over  you,  since  he  could  not  keep  you 
near  him." 

"  That  is  a  tale  by  itself,  sir,"  said  the  private ;  "  but  were 
I  to  see  his  three-cornered  hat  there  before  my  face  at  this 
moment,  I  would  stand  still  and  deliver  arms;  for  then  would 
I  be  certain  that  his  long  Geneva  bands  would  hang  at  his 
breast,  his  white  locks  be  streaming  over  his  shoulder  ;  and 
my  heart  would  cease  to  beat  that  instant." 

"  Certainly  he  must  be  a  dangerous  man,  to  be  so  near  us 
at  this  time,  and  we  depending  on  your  guidance.  I  must 
watch  you,  and  treat  you  as  they  do  horses  that  are  led  out 
of  a  fire,  throw  a  sack  over  your  eyes ;  and  then  you  will  be 
but  a  blind  guide.  But  what  makes  you  look  so  fixedly  ? 
What  do  you  hear  ?  You  cannot  see  anything  in  the  dark?" 

"  The  old  church  drum  is  beating  the  alarum  !  There  will 
be  fun  in  old  Sopus  before  morning." 

"  Church  drum !"  said  Clarence,  in  laughing  surprise. 
"  Do  they  call  the  people  here  to  church  by  tuck  of  drum  ? 
A  well  drilled  flock  they  must  me.  His  wardens,  then,  must 
be  captains  and  sergeants,  and  his  clerk  a  bugler." 


A  FOOL'S  SPORT.  227 

By  this  time  the  invading  force  had  reached  a  rising 
ground,  from  which  the  village  could  be  seen  in  daylight, 
but  was  now  only  discernible  by  the  twinkling  tapers  carried 
unsteadily  in  all  directions.  To  a  lively  imagination,  like 
that  of  Clarence's,  they  were  like  spirits  disturbed  in  their 
rest,  and  were  now  in  the  act  of  arousing  their  wards  of  the 
humari  race  against  the  approach  of  their  enemy,  that  like  a 
huge  vampire  stood  perched  on  that  mound  ready  to  descend 
and  destroy.  Silence  reigned  through  the  company.  The 
officers  consulted  in  whispers  ;  all  seemed  to  be  waiting  for 
the  word  to  go  forward ;  nor  did  they  wait  long,  for  two 
dark  ligures,  that  rose  at  a  signal,  stood  before  the  rest,  and 
were  met  by  the  chief  in  command,  who  soon  returned  and 
gave  the  word  "  forward  !" 

The  orders  were  to  burn  the  stores  and  the  public  buildings, 
to  spare  the  inoffensive  inhabitants,  and  to  kill  only  those 
who  offered  resistance.  They  rushed  down  in  double  quick 
time,  and  were  soon  on  the  streets  of  the  place,  which  pre- 
sented a  spectacle  of  activity,  showing  that  some  notice 
had  been  given  of  their  approach,  and  that  the  people  were 
moving  their  household  stuff  from  their  dwellings  in  all 
directions.  On  a  road  over  which  Bertram  passed  with  his 
men,  going  to  the  north,  were  horses  and  oxen,  drawing 
rude  carriages  piled  with  household  goods,  and  women  with 
their  children,  who  were  giving  forth  all  the  sounds  of  young 
humanity  when  suddenly  raised  out  of  their  nests.  With 
round  tables,  of  the  time  of  King  Arthur,  were  seen  glitter- 
ing escritoirs  of  mahogany,  brought  from  Holland.  Clarence 
stumbled  upon  an  old  vrow,  who  bore  off  a  set  of  china, 
while  following  her  was  a  young  damsel  carrying  a  huge 
antique  looking-glass,  that  had  reflected  the  face  of  her 
grandmother  when  a  bride  in  the  Nederlands.  A  rude 
soldier  tossed,  with  his  musket,  a  bundle  out  of  the  hand  of 
a  full-bottomed  matron,  which  turned  out  to  be  a  silver  tea- 
pot, and  other  plate  of  value  ;  but  his  officer  coming  up,  pre- 
vented the  spoliation,  so  that  she  carried  off  her  prize,  which 
became  from  that  moment  the  more  valuable.  Screams  were 
heard  from  the  dwellings,  caused  through  fear  more  than 
hurt,  while  men  were  seen  in  the  yards  behind  the  houses 
running  to  the  rendezvous,  where  Colonel  Haasbrouk  was 
mustering  his  men  and  preparing  for  the  defence.  Among 
these  people  were  found  some  of  the  most  prominent  in  the 
convention,  and  not  a  few  of  the  reverend  Dominies  who  had 
figured  that  day  in  the  ecclesiastical  assembly,  with  their  lav 


THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

brethren  by  their  side ;  though  it  is  on  record  that  the 
majority  of  both  Convocations  took  to  their  heels,  and  never 
stopped  till  they  reached  the  village  of  Hurley,  where?  they 
met  next  day,  and  sent  out  strong  resolutions  against  the 
audacious  enemy  who  had  dared  to  burn  them  out.  A  song 
called  "  The  Race  to  Hurley "  is  sung  with  great  gusto 
among  the  mischievous  men  of  the  place,  who  think  it  the 
greatest  sport  that  ever  happened. 

Time  pressed  upon  the  invaders,  each  one  being  fur- 
nished with  a  torch  dipped  in  tar,  and  his  orders  given 
to  burn  only  public  stores  ;  but  the  blood  of  the  tiger 
was  up,  and  words  could  not  restrain  him,  more  espe- 
cially when  liquors  in  abundance  were  at  hand.  The  heads 
of  casks  were  driven  in  at  a  stroke,  which  allowed  the 
soldier,  always  thirsty,  to  dip  his  mouth  into  the  drink  till 
he  became  satisfied.  Fire  and  alcohol  gained  the  mastery, 
and  all  the  generals  in  King  George's  army,  with  himself  at 
their  head,  could  not  have  stayed  the  havoc  of  a  general 
conflagration.  The  officers  fought  with  their  own  men, 
swearing  as  only  soldiers  can  swear  at  such  times  ;  but  what 
does  a  drunken  mercenary  care  for  life  or  property  when  led 
to  their  destruction  according  to  the  laws  of  cruel  war.  It 
was  not  the  soldiery,  however,  who  wrought  the  chief  damage 
to  the  private  citizens,  but  their  own  neighbors  in  disguise, 
who,  having  grudges  in  their  hearts  of  long  standing,  ami 
being  made  aware,  secretly,  of  what  was  coming,  under  the 
cloak  of  serving  the  good  cause,  gratified  their  own  revenge 
by  lighting  the  houses  and  the  barns  of  the  Whig  population, 
and  thus  effecting  a  destruction  of  property  which  would 
have  required  an  army  of  a  thousand  men  in  the  same  length 
of  time  to  have  prevented  or  stayed. 

In  one  half  hour  after  commencing  their  ravages,  the  bugle 
sounded  a  retreat.  The  deeds  of  fire  and  blood  were  done, 
an"  these  are  seeds  which  must  yield  the  most  noxious  fruits 
in  time  to  come.  These  blackened  walls  should  be  left,  so 
that  the  yet  unborn  child,  when  it  comes  of  age,  may  ask,  how 
came  these  monuments  of  a  former  period  to  be  placed  there  ? 
And  the  answer  shall  be,  "  There  came  upon  us  a  band  of 
bloody  assassins,  worse  than  the  Avolves  or  the  red  men, 
pouring  their  fury  upon  us,  and  we  cursed  their  day." 

It  was  but  the  work  of  half  an  hour,  and  though  thp  bugle 
sounded  loud  and  shrill,  it  was  no  easy  matter  to  gather  up 
the  stragglers,  who  had  dispersed  for  booty  and  other  objects. 
Such  as  were  not  insensible  to  danger  flew  to  the  gathering 


A  FOOL'S  SPORT.  220 

spot,  while  the  blaring  notes  told  the  militia,  who  wove 
coming  in  large  numbers,  that  now  was  their  time.  The 
blazing  dwellings  showed,  to  their  watchful  eyes,  many  of 
their  enemies,  who  were  seen,  some  dancing  like  demons  in 
drunkenness,  and  others,  skulking  behind  in  the  dark,  equally 
demoniac,  while  the  sudden  report  of  a  gun,  and  the  sharp 
shriek  which  folloAved,  declared  the  death  of  some  other  vic- 
tim of  this  night's  work.  The  English  commander  saw  the 
necessity  of  a  rapid  movement,  as  the  danger  of  being  sur- 
rounded was  becoming  every  moment  more  imminent,  and 
it  was  therefore  with  wise  precaution  that  he  had  left  a  party 
behind  to  keep  open  his  retreat ;  for  already,  on  the  road  to 
the  river,  Captain  Henry  Schoonmackcr  had  assembled  a 
number  of  the  true-hearted  militia  to  intercept ;  and  perhaps 
he  might  have  succeeded  had  not  the  Dominie  come  up  at 
that  time  arid  warned  him,  in  true  hunter's  style,  against 
putting  the  catamount  in  a  corner. 

"  Give  a  bridge  of  gold  to  a  flying  enemy,"  said  the  good 
man,  "  else  he  will  fight  through  and  kill  hip  and  thigh.  Let 
us  to  the  fences,  and  smite  them  as  the  wise  men  of  the  east 
did  at  Lexington — lie  in  ambush,  as  the  kindereen  of  Israel 
did  before  Ai." 

The  Dominie  was  obeyed  as  if  he  had  been  captain.  The 
men  all  lay  down  flat  on  their  faces,  but  the  reverend  man  him- 
self and  Schoonmatker  who  stood  behind  a  tree,  reconnoiter- 
ing  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  The  Dominie  saw  them  the 
the  moment  they  rose  on  the  high  ground  east  of  the  village ; 
his  ringers  got  uneasy,  and  his  gun  came  to  his  eye  ;  when 
crack  went  the  piece,  which  brought  the  word  "  Halt"  from 
the  English  leader,  who  marked  the  point  whence  the  flash 
appeared.  Captain  Schoonmaker,  mad  at  the  Dominie,  cried 
out  "  Vat  dat  for  ?  You've  fired  afore  the  time  cam  once." 

"I  could  not  help  it,''  said  the  enraged  Dominie.  "  I  heard 
that  Skitilink  Yaacob  Tenbroek  laughing  among  them,  and  I 
thought  I  might  hit  him;  but  now  that  they  know  we  are 
here,  let  us  ah1  give  it  to  them.  And  with  that  the  brave, 
good  man  roared  out  "  fire,"  when  a  scattering  volley  made 
the  woods  ring.  No  damage  was  done  to  the  invaders  ;  but 
as  it  would  be  risking  too  much  to  pass  by  the  defenders,  a 
party  was  detailed  to  dislodge  them,  a  matter  not  perceived 
by  the  eager  watchers,  who  were  prepared  to  take  the  soldiers 
in  flank,  when,  to  their  own  great  surprise,  they  were  at- 
tacked with  a  fuiy  in  the  rear,  which  made  them  tumble  off 
helter-skelter  in  all  directions,  leaving  the  main  road  clear. 


230  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

down  which  the  king's  party  passed  at  rapid  pace,  for  well 
they  knew  that  time  was  worth  more  to  them  than  gold.  The 
Whigs,  though  spread  over  the  field  for  a  short  space,  soon 
came  together,  and  pursuing  along  the  skirts  of  the  woods 
and  behind  the  walls  gave  out  fresh  volleys,  which  did  no 
harm,  as  all  was  yet  quite  dark.  These  were  returned  at 
short  intervals,  more  for  the  purpose  of  frightening  their 
pursuers,  and  keeping  them  at  bay,  than  in  expectation  of 
doing  execution.  It  was  during  one  of  these  halts  that  Cla- 
rence perceived  that  Gab/iel  Smidt,  the  guide  with  whom  he 
had  held  the  private  confabulation  on  the  way  up,  gave  a  start, 
and  then  fell  flat  to  the  ground,  which  surprised  his  officer 
very  much,  as  he  had  shown  more  than  common  bravery 
all  the  night  throughout,  which  made  him  ask : 

u  What  do  you  see  there  that  makes  you  fall  back  as  if 
you  were  shot  ?" 

"  Do  you  see  that  black  spot  on  the  fence  there,  no  bigger 
than  a  crow  ?"  said  Smidt.  "  Look  how  it  rises  higher  and 
higher." 

'"  Well,  what  of  it  ?"  said  the  other.  "  What  if  it  be  a 
crow,  a  drop  of  lead  will  bring  it  down,  even  though  it  were 
a  witch.  I  could  hardly  believe  that  a  man  of  your  temper, 
from  what  I  have  seen  of  you,  would  be  frightened  by  a 
scarecrow  !" 

"Laugh  as  you  please,  that  cocked  hat,  as  I  told  you,  has 
made  me  more  afraid  than  a  dozen  of  rebels,  at  another  time. 
I  feei  at  this  moment  as  I  used  to  do  when  I  could  not  say 
my  Heidelburg." 

"  Pugh  !"  said  an  Englishman  at  his  side,  "  is  that  all  ? 
let  me  put  a  pill  through  it,  and  I  will  say  my  catechism  all 
the  better  after  it  is  over." 

"  You  shall  not  do  it,"  said  the  Dutchman,  "  else  you  and  1 
are  enemies  forever.  The  image  of  my  old  mother  is  now  be- 
fore me,  saying  '  Gaby,  Gaby,  min'  de  Dominie.' " 

But  the  Englishman  had  no  such  scruples,  and  before  hi.-i 
comrade  had  time  to  interfere,  the  -firelock  had  spoken,  and 
to  the  astonishment  of  all,  and  the  horror  of  Gabriel,  the  hat 
stood  up  as  brave  as  ever. 

"  Does  not  that  prove,"  said  Gabriel,  "  what  my  good  old 
mother  alwavs  said,  that  these  ministers  were  black  owls  to 
shoot  at ':  I  never  saw  the  man  yet  that  prospered  after  he 
lifted  his  hand  to  smite  one  of  them." 

"•  Give  me  a  good  fat  steak  and  I  will  verture  the  shot," 
was  the  unbelieving  cockney's  sneering  reply. 


A  FOOL'S  SPORT.  231 

"  Sec,"  said  Clarence,  suddenly  startled  himself,  "  all  the 
fence  is  lined  with  heads,  and  that  as  far  u*  we  can  see.  We 
must  dislodge  that  pertinacious  crew  once  more.  True 
enouf./i,  tney  sit  like  so  many  crows — rather  ravens  ready 
to  pick  our  bones.  Not  quite  yet,  boys."  The  men  were 
ordered  to  lie  flat  on  the  ground  till  measures  could  be  taken 
to  dig  the  rebels  out,  or  find  a  way  to  the  left,  and  give  them 
a  wide  berth.  This  would  have  been  the  plan,  only  there 
were  v<vces  heard  in  that  very  direction,  so  that  appearances 
showeJ  '.hat  they  were  surrounded,  and  must  fight  their  way 
to  the  river,  in  the  face  of  thousands.  While  waiting  in  coun- 
cil, Gp.o/iel  Smidt  crawled  up  to  the  fence,  and  climbing  over, 
he  ]al(j.  nold  of  that  same  cocked  hat,  which  soon  lost  its  ter- 
rors w  hen  he  perceived  that  the  whole  was  but  a  ruse  to  gain 
time.  'L  he  hats  were  all  put  on  poles,  and  placed  on  the  top  of 
the  fence,  so  that  from  their  regularity  and  number,  they 
seemed  a  company  of  men  waiting  with  muskets  ready  to  dis- 
charge their  fire.  Gabriel  took  the  old  hat,  putting  it  on  his 
own  head  in  real  waggery,  which  nearly  cost  him  his  life  ;  for 
no  sooner  did  they  see  it  move,  than  twenty  muskets  were 
fired  at  once,  none  of  them  taking  effect,  for  there  followed 
the  loud  laugh  of  the,  discoverer,  and  as  loud  a  curse  at  the 
"  old  deceiver  "  for  the  trick  he  had  put  upon  them,  which 
they  regarded  almost  in  the  light  of  a  defeat. 

Notwithstanding  all  this  levity,  the  leaders  were  far  from 
being  at  ease  in  their  minds.  It  was  plain  that  time  was 
gained  by  the  country  party  by  these  tricks,  and  that  was 
loss  to  themselves ;  and  it  would  have  been  fatal  to  the  king's 
troops,  indeed,  had  there  been  proper  discipline  observed  on 
the  other  side.  Instead  of  silence,  they  let  their  voices  be 
heard,  so  that  the  ship's  company  were  made  aware  of  the 
danger,  and  sending  up  a  few  rockets,  which  were  under- 
stood as  telegraphic  signs  of  warning  by  their  friends  ashore, 
who  paused  till  they  heard  the  firing  of  the  ship's  guns,  that 
reached  the  field  where  the  militia  were  in  ambuscade,  allow- 
ing a  reinforcement  to  land  and  follow  up  the  advantage, 
3>t-set  hi  front  and  rear,  the  Dominie's  party  had  to  make 
way  and  allow  the  regular  soldiers  to  pursue  their  course. 
The  reverend  man  was  seen  walking  in  front  of  the  men, 
exhorting  them  to  keep  steady  and  not  to  fire  too  soon. 

"  Yaw,"  said  Captain  Schoonmaker  ;  "  do  as  de  Dominio 
bids,  not  as  he  does.  But  dere  now  ;  hear  dat ;"  and  there 
came  a  round  ball  whizzing  through  the  air  close  by  the  rank. 
Then  a  second,  and  then  a  shower  of  grape  that  tVIl  like  hail 


232  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

among  the  trees.  The  men,  uneasy  and  seeing  no  enemy, 
scattered,  as  the  Dominie  said  to  them  when  he  got  on  the 
other  side  of  a  knoll:  "Cowardly  creatures  that  you  are! 
fleeing  like  so  many  sheep." 

"  Yaw !  yaw !"  said  a  staid-looking  farmer,  whom  they 
sometimes  called  Elder.  "  De  shepherd  vleeth  in  de  front 
of  tx3  flock  vaster  dan  te  rest." 

"And  where  would  you  have  a  shepherd  be  but  in  the 
front  of  his  flock,  as  David  always  was  ?  Read  the  tenth 
chapter  of  Johannes  and  hear :  '  Zoo  gaat  hij  voor  hen  heen  ; 
en  ae  schapen  volgen  hem  overmits  zij  zijne  stem  kenen.'  " 

"  What  is  that  he  says  ?  Can't  he  spuak  so  as  we  can  all 
onderstand  him,  instead  of  that  jabber  of  chapters  ?"  This 
was  asked  by  a  Yankee  who  had  become  mixed  up  with  the 
crowd.  "  What  does  that  parson  of  yours  mean  ?  the  incon- 
sistent body  that  he  is.  He  would  face  a  cannon,  and  yet  he 
runs  faster  than  the  rest  of  us  now.*' 

"  He  says,  '  When  he  putteth  forth  his  own  sheep,  he 
goeth  before  them  and  the  sheep  follow  him :  for  they  know 
his  voice.'  He  can  give  you  Scripture  for  what  he  does." 

"  Yes,  and  if  he  were  to  run  behind,  he  could  give  us  the 
same  Scripture.  I  do  not  like  those  men  that  blow  hot  and 
cold  with  the  same  breath." 

"  You  better  keep  a  quiet  sugh,  my  man,  for  you  are  now 
among  the  Ulster  Militia,  and  that  is  our  Dominie.  Touch 
him  and  you  touch  us.  We  are  that  man's  sheep." 

"  And  I  suppose  you  call  him  the  bell-wether,  or  the  big 
ram,  rather,  judging  from  his  two  horns.  But  now  I  remem- 
ber, he  left  his  hat  with  its  horns  on  the  stake  beside  the 
fence,  keeping  his  head  safe." 

"  Vat's  dat  you  say,  you  duivel  snip  ?  If  you  blaspheme 
de  Dominie  you  must  pay  de  fine ;"  and  the  Yankee  found 
himself  seized  by  the  collar.  Two  of  his  comrades  took 
offence  at  his  freedom  of  speech,  which  brought  the  reverend 
man  himself  to  the  spot,  who  soon  settled  the  quarrel  by  a 
sharp  reprimand,  which  had  its  eifect  on  all,  diverting  their 
minds  from  the  rather  sheepish  flight  they  were  now  taking 
homeward  to  the  burning  village,  after  chasing  their  foes  to 
the  ship. 


TTLE.  233 


MORE   DANGERS   THAN   A   BA 


CHAPTER  IV. 

MORE  DANGERS   THAN   A  BATTLE. 

"  A  double  victory  thou  must  gain, 

In  this  emprise  the  merit  of  success. 
One  battle  lost,  makes  all  thine  efforts  vain, 
Makes  glory  shame,  and  luxury  nakedness." 

TASSO. 

THE  young  Clintons  were  cousins — the  one  was  brother 
and  the  other  lover  to  the  lost  Margaret,  who  had  been 
abducted  from  on  board  the  Vulture,  on  her  voyage  up  the 
river,  by  Kiskataara.  Both  the  young  men  were  sworn  to 
find  out  the  young  lady  or  perish  in  the  attempt. 

Clarence,  son  of  Sir  Henry,  being  in  the  land  service,  and 
feeling  greater  responsibility  than  his  cousin,  was  more 
oppressed  in  spirit  on  leaving  his  command.  He  would  be 
reported  among  the  missing,  but  his  sense  of  honor  was  so 
that  a  feather  would  have  changed  the  balance  between  his 
duty  and  his  affection.  The  feelings  of  his  father  and 
the  risk  he  ran  of  being  dishonored,  were  far  more,  in  his 
esteem,  than  the  dangers  he  feared  of  being  in  a  hostile 
region.  As  he  mused,  he  recalled  the  promise  he  had  made 
to  Bertram,  and  he  became  decided.  When  he  reached  the 
trysting  place,  it  was  surrounded  by  country  people,  who 
had  crowded  behind  the  knoll  to  shelter  themselves  from  the 
ship's  artillery;  and  nothing  remained,  therefore,  for  the 
young  soldier  but  to  take  to  the  fields,  and  trust  to  luck. 
The  flames  of  the  burning  village  rose  high,  and  by  that  in- 
explicable influence  by  which  a  fire  at  night  attracts  ail 
animals,  man  with  the  rest,  he  turned  his  face  thither,  hop- 
ing that  chance  would  do  something  for  him.  Perhaps  he 
had.  something  like  an  undefinable  notion  that  he  might  fall 
in  with  his  father's  cousin  George,  the  governor,  and  obtain, 
through  his  mother's  name,  and  sign,  a  pass  through  the  hos 
tile  ground,  though  his  feelings  and  determination  were  tc 
pursue  his  own  way,  so  as  to  get  to  the  mountains  before  the 
morning  fully  dawned.  This  was  all  he  knew  of  the  dis- 
tance between  the  river  and  the  high  lands. 

In  walking  along  by  himself  he  had  time,  and  was  in  the 
mood,  for  reflection.  He  felt  like  a  man  who  bad  been 


Uoi  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

roused  into  passion,  but  who  now  becoming  cool,  inquires  of 
himself  why  he  was  so  mad.  "  Is  it,"  he  asked,  "  like  Christ- 
ians to  become  incendiaries  ?  Can  the  king  give  the  right 
to  trample  upon  lite  and  domestic  peace  ?  Were  not  these 
quiet  people  defending  their  homes  and  their  altars  ?  No 
•wonder  though  the  Almighty  is  angry  with  our  family. 
Why  should  I  and  the  rest  of  the  army  not  suffer  ?  I  never 
expect  to  see  my  sister  in  this  world.  A  curse  on  this  war.*' 

This  soliloquy,  expressed  audibly,  nearly  cost  him  his  life; 
for  the  sound  of  the  human  voice  goes  fur  in  the  fields  at 
night.  Superstition  is  quick-eared.  The  one  who  listened 
at  this  witching  hour  was  no  coward,  though  equally  as 
uneasy  in  mind  as  Clarence.  Gabriel  Smidt,  the  guide  of 
the  attacking  party,  had  also  taken  through  the  fields  after 
convoying  the  king's  troops  to  the  ship,  for  a  reason  of  his 
own.  He  recognized  the  voice  and  the  gait  of  the  young 
Englishman.  Without  more  ado,  he  made  himself  known, 
and  while  the  recognition  was  awkward  on  both  sides,  men 
like  them,  accustomed  to  sudden  surprises,  and  hi  the  habit 
of  watching  against  them,  soon  get  over  their  feelings. 
Their  eifort  was  to  hide  their  real  intentions. 

"  I  have  left  something  behind  me  in  yon  village  that  I 
would  not  lose  for  a  thousand  pounds,"  said  Clarence. 

"There  has  been  many  a  tine  thing  lost  there  this  night," 
said  the  private,  "  and  among  others,  some  things  lie  there 
which  will  never  be  gathered  up."  On  saying  tnis,  he  cast 
his  eye  sidewise,  as  if  trying  to  scan  the  face  of  his  com- 
panion,  who,  though  he  did  not  relish  the  jest,  was  in  no 
place  to  resent  it ;  so  turning  the  conversation  on  other  mat- 
ters of  a  more  general  kind,  he  said : 

"  From  appearances,  we  must  be  a  long  mile  yet  from  the 
village." 

"That  depends,"  said  the  imperturbable  Gabriel,  "  upon  a 
man's  feelings.  It  is  a  longer  way  for  me  now,  when  my 
heart  is  heavy,  than  it  was  when  I  worked  on  these  lieids, 
and  went  home  with  heavy  heels,  and  a  hungry  belly;  b:it 
to  you,  who  have  just  gained  a  victory,  it  ought  to  be  a  short 
mile." 

"If  I  remeaiiber,"  retorted  the  young  officer,  with  so:n*j 
surprise  at  the  turn  the  conversation  was  taking,  aud  with  a 
degree  cf  alarm  which  made  him  finger  his  belt,  "  you  had 
some  share  in  that  victory;  I  saw  you  fighting  and  tiring 
with  the  best  of  us.  And  now  let  me  ask  you,  ii;  the  king's. 
a  irae,  why  vou  are  here  ?" 


MOKE   DANGERS   THAN   A   BATTLE.  235 

"Ha,  ha,"  said  Gabriel,  "we  are  both  equal  here,  where 
the  king's  word  is  no  longer  law;  but  lest  you  should  be 
tempted  to  do  as  my  superior  might  do,  and  which  I  might 
reta  late  on  you,  though  your  inferior,  I  will  open  my  mind 
to  you  at  once,  and  say  what  I  know  of  your  affairs,  and 
that  I  am  under  promise  to  help  you  in  this  enterprise." 

"  Who  could  have  told  you  of  our  intentions  ?  There  is 
but  one  person  besides  in  the  world  who  knows  about  me 
here.  No  matter,  then,  give  me  the  countersign  and  we  will 
trust  each  other  as  far  as  we  know  what  is  in  ourselves  now, 
till  we  become  better  acquainted." 

"  Agreed,"  said  Gabriel ;  "  and  now  let  me  take  you  around, 
so  that  we  may  avoid  all  scouts  outside  ;  for  you  must  know 
that  I  could  go  through  these  lanes  blindfolded.  But  I  have 
a  message  for  you  from  the  lieutenant,  who  expects  to  meet 
us  near  this  stone  barn."  The  young  sailor,  in  the  ardor  of 
his  feelings,  had  pushed  forward  after  he  found  an  opportu- 
nity at  the  river's  edge  of  sending  a  token  of  his  safety  on 
board  the  ship,  informing  Lady  Clinton  of  their  escape  from 
the  dangers  of  the  attack,  and  of  their  determination  to  pur- 
sue their  premeditated  plan.  His  eagerness  carried  him  for- 
ward to  the  rendezvous  before  Clarence  and  his  companion 
had  reached  it,  so  that  he  had  time  to  sit  down  and  reflect 
on  the  prospect  before  them.  He  was  not  long  of  hailing  his 
friends,  who  came  up  to  him,  and  they  immediately  entered 
upon  a  council  of  war.  The  two  Englishmen  gave  themselves 
up  into  the  hands  of  Gabriel,  as  their  only  help  for  the  pre- 
sent ;  though  it  must  be  confessed  that  confidence  was  not 
lying  very  close  to  their  hearts. 

"  My  advice,"  said  the  prudent  guide,  who  soon  discovered 
their  fears,  "  is  to  obtain  the  assistance  of  some  one  of  the 
secret  service-men,  of  whom  there  are  many  in  these  parts 
who  know  that  snake  of  the  mountains  Kiskataam,  and  who 
for  a  trifle  will  scotch  him  with  great  pleasure.  His  haunts 
are  well  known  to  these  Tory  blades,  who  keep  their  tongues 
well  in,  and  their  knife  in  a  sheath  of  hypocrisy  till  they  get 
the  chance  of  smiting  under  the  filth  rib." 

"  Well,  can  you  undertake  to  find  the  man  you  describe, 
and  make  a  bargain  that  will  keep  him  honest  ?" 

"  Bless  your  soul,  gentlemen,"  said  the  guide,  "  my  life  is 
not  worth  a  cabbage  head  were  it  known  that  I  am  now 
within  a  hundred  paces  of  my  mother's  door-yard.  Do  you 
see  that  light  twinkling  there  between  those  two  trees? 
Hut  you  cannot  see  the  trees — trees  of  a  patriarchal  size  ar« 


236  THE   DUTCH  DOMINIE. 

before  the  door;  and  my  good  old  mother, kind  soul,  is  in  the 
old  house  behind  them  :  .and  " 

Here  his  voice  grew  thick  and  nature  felt  the  desire  to 
overflow  in  tenderness.  Tears  came  to  the  eyes  of  all  the 
three  in  sympathy,  and  yet  an  hour  ago,  they  saw  houses  of 
the  same  kind  in  flames,  and  the  inmates  shrieking  and  flee- 
ing from  them  in  terror  of  their  life. 

"How  comes  it,"  said  Clarence,  "that  you  are  here  with 
your  head  in  the  lion's  mouth  ?  Some  love  affair,  no  doubt, 
like  other  men  of  like  passions." 

"  Affection,  gentlemen,  blazes  the  same  in  rich  and  poor ; 
and  when  it  is  pure  and  powerful,  it  will  carry  a  man 
through  deeper  floods  than  you  have  ever  seen  on  sea,  and 
hotter  flames  than  we  have  ever  seen  on  land.  I  must  leave 
you  now,  so  that  I  may  meet  the  old  woman  in  that  house ; 
and  then  I  shall  die  in  peace,  if  she  lay  her  hand  once  more 
on  my  head,  and  ask  over  me  a  Dutch  blessing  '  vaart  wel ;' 
I  will  send  you  a  guide  who  is  a  Tory  in  his  heart  and  a 
Whig  in  his  speech,  follow  his  direction  strictly.  I  will 
keep  a  secret  watch  over  you,  till  you  get  into  the  Indian 
country:  of  one  thing  be  sure,  that  you  do  not  trust  the  ras- 
cal with  more  of  your  secret  than  you  can  help."  With  that 
the  unhappy  man  disappeared. 

The  two  adventurers  stood  waiting  and  listening  to  the 
sounds  which  came  up  from  the  burning  buildings,  that 
cracked  and  fell,  blazing  up  as  if  stirred  by  demons,  who 
shouted  and  screamed  with  devilish  glee.  All  the  evil  spirits 
had  not  left  with  the  invaders,  for  the  wicked  grew  wickeder 
so  fast  that  they  scarcely  knew  themselves,  so  sudden  and 
terrible  was  the  transformation  wrought  upon  them  in  their 
struggle.  Dogs  howled  for  their  masters ;  and  for  the  hearth 
where  they  had  been  accustomed  to  lie ;  women  were  sob- 
bing or  shrieking  throughout  the  whole  place,  while  hud- 
dled in  corners  were  groups  of  old  men  and  curious  boys, 
prophesying  and  listening  to  one  another  concerning  the 
evils  that  would  yet  follow  this  night's  work.  Vengeance 
was  deep  and  dark  upon  the  faces  of  the  old  ;  and  scudde  1 
swiftly  over  those  of  the  young,  as  a  cloud  sweeps  over  •* 
sunny  field. 

Clarence,  who  grew  impatient,  crept  forward  alone  to  tiie 
window  of  a  low,  dark  stone  bouse,  that  stood  close  bj-  the 
road,  where  he  saw  what  made  him  shrink  back  as  if  some 
one  had  struck  him.  It  was  used  for  the  time  as  the  hospital 
of  the  place,  ^vrhere  lay  the  wounded  and  the  dying,  ill  their 


MORE  DANGERS  THAN  A  BATTLE.          237 

blood  and  groaning  with  pain.  The  Dominie  had  returned 
from  the  chase  himself,  leaving  the  men  to  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  ship,  which  left  the  village  almost  without  in- 
habitants, except  the  aged  and  the  decrepit.  This  was  so  far 
favorable  to  our  adventurers,  keeping  them  from  being  dis- 
covered. The  good  man  was  now  about  his  own  peculiar 
calling,  ministering  consolation  to  the  dying  and  the  be- 
reaved. His  exhortations  were  made  up  chiefly  of  Scripture 
from  the  low  Dutch,  mixed  with  the  vernacular  of  the  region 
which  would  have  defied  the  most  learned  body  in  all  Ger- 
many to  have  translated  literally. 

"  Goden  den  is  villing  dat  you  zal  die,  Hanse,  ande  you 
must  be  villing  to  go ;  you  have  done  your  duty,  Hanse,  as 
a  free  man  dis  uicht,  ande  if  you  zeek  himme  through  Christus, 
you  are  safe." 

He  then  offered  up  one  of  the  most  fervent  prayers  that 
ever  the  Listeners  heard.  Accustomed  as  they  had  been  to 
the  calm,  cold  manner  of  the  English  church  ;  and  occasionally 
hearing  some  strolling  Methodist,  they  were  unprepared  for 
fervor  united  with  spirit-stirring  language,  which  bore  mean- 
ing to  the  understanding  as  fully  as  it  gave  solemnity  to  the 
manner.  "  He  is  a  man  of  power,"  Gabriel  would  have  said, 
"whether  he  be  in  the  sick-room,  or  on  the  battle  field." 
He  could  face  Satan's  hosts  with  as  hearty  good  will  as  he 
does  the  red-coats.  He  held  as  part  of  his  creed,  that  both 
belonged  to  the  same  army;  and  if  any  one  had  asked  him 
that  night,  what  was  the  color  of  Apollyon's  coat,  he  would 
have  said  promptly,  "  scarlet." 

As  he  proceeded  in  his  devotions  he  grew  calmer,  speaking 
bofter;  and  it  was  evident  that  his  words  had  a  most  sooth- 
ing influence  upon  the  listeners.  His  language  was  now  alto- 
gether in  the  Dutch  tongue,  as  if  he  had  forgotten  ail  but 
that,  which  he  knew  was  the  early  speech  of  the  man  who 
was  dying,  and  who  would  recur  to  that  in  his  last  moments. 
"  Hoe  dierbaer  is  uwe  goeder  tiereuheit  O  Godt,  dies  de  men- 
sohen  kinderen  onder  de  schaduwe  uwer  vleugelen  toevlugt 
nemen." 

"  That  is  true,"  said  some  one  who  came  imperceptibly  to 
the  side  of  Clarence,  who  seemed  touched  with  visible  emo- 
tion, repeating  in  the  English  tongue  what  was  pleasant  to  hie 
heart  in  the  Dutch.  "•  How  excellent  is  thy  loving  kindness, 
O,  Lord  !  therefore  do  the  sons  of  men  put  their  trust  under 
the  shadow  of  thy  wings."  When  the  young  officer  turned 
round  to  see  the  new  coiner,  ho  found  his  friend  Gabriel 


238 

again  by  his  side,  sobbing  as  a  child  weeps  when  his  heart  is 
nigh  broken.  It  was  real  grief,  and  no  one  was  disposed 
there  to  turn  it  into  ridicule.  There  was,  however,  in  this 
more  than  the  mere  sight  of  suffering  humanity.  The  sight 
of  that  good  man,  anointing  a  dying  sinner  through  the  di- 
vine influence  ;  and  by  this  act  of  piety,  together  witli  former 
remembrances,  good  and  bad,  the  services  went  farther  into 
his  soul  at  that  moment  than  the  same  ceremonies,  gone 
through  at  any  other  time,  could  possibly  have  done. 

"  Come  away,"  said  another  person  who  had  remained 
hidden  till  now.  "  If  you  stay  here  any  longer,  your  friends 
will  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Philistines.  Hear  how  they 
shout,  as  they  come  on  to  join  their  friends." 

"This  is  the  guide  I  spoke  of,"  said  Gabriel.  "The  sun 
will  soon  be  up  and  I  must  hide  my  face  in  some  hole ;  but 
how  gladly  would  I  change  places  with  Hank  Snyder  in 
there,  to  deserve  that  good  man's  blessing." 

"  Quick  !  out  of  this,"  said  the  new  comer,  "  else  you  will 
get  his  curse,  and  a  horse-pistol  shot  to  fasten  it ;  see,  he  i.s 
moving  to  the  door." 

The  four  had  gathered  under  the  shadow  of  a  large  maple- 
tree,  and  were  in  close  consultation  concerning  the  future. 
Clarence  and  Bertram  were  confounded  at  the  minute  know- 
ledge which  Gabriel  had  of  them,  and  of  their  purpose,  and 
became  quite  passive  in  his  hands.  He  entered  at  once  into 
their  scheme,  and  gave  directions  in  such  a  way  as  betokened 
authority  over  the  man  addressed. 

"  You  will  take  these  men,"  said  he,  "  by  the  quickest  and 
the  shortest  road  to  the  mountain,  through  Kiskaatam's 
country.  There  is  an  attack  to  be  made  upon  the  Boermen 
of  the  Vlatts  about  this  time,  and  Brandt  is  to  lead  it.  Try 
and  get  to  his  rendezvous,  and  put  these  gentlemen  under 
his  care.  They  will  tell  their  own  story  to  him,  and  obtain 
his  assistance." 

"  What  if  \ve  cannot  get  through  in  time  to  catch  that 
red-skin  ?  The  attack  on  the  Whigs  has  been  made  already  ; 
Dominie  Schuneman  had  a  dispatch  yesterday  saying  that  tho 
great  Mohawk  was  on  the  South  Mountain,  and  we  have  had 
other  word,  that  we  can  understand."  Here  he  gave  three 
snifters,  which  was  a  sign  understood  by  Gabriel. 

"  Petrus  Van  Vliet,"  said  Gabriel,  with  some  haste,  "  you 
are  to  do  the  best,  and  no  fun.  These  gentlemen  are  king's 
officers  and  on  the  king's  business,  and  that,  the  Dominie  says. 
requires  haste ;  and  let  me  tell  you  that  it  also  requires  honest 


MOKE  DANGEKS   THAN   A   BATTLE.  239 

men.  Remember  that  Geordie's  whelps  have  arms  longer 
than  Petrus  Van  Vliet's."  Here  the  speaker  held  up  his 
finger  in  a  threatening  manner. 

The  other  gave  a  grin,  saying  under  his  breath,  and  with 
some  emphasis  :  "  George's  bayonet  is  wearing  shorter  every 
hour,  and  that  fire  has  melted  an  inch  of  the  point.  But  it  is 
time  to  put  on  these  duds,  so  put  off  your  buttons,  boys." 

This  was  something  which  neither  of  the  two  had  thought 
of.  To  be  disguised  and  taken  would  lead  to  a  dog's  death. 
To  be  taken  in  their  own  clothes  would  only  cause  imprison- 
ment, and,  at  the  worst,  their  being  shot  and  honored  as  sol- 
diers on  duty.  They  hesitated. 

But  the  new  guide  was  inexorable,  and  Gabriel  was  silent; 
BO  making  a  virtue  of  necessity,  they  laid  aside  their  buff  and 
blue  for  tiie  sheep's  grey,  the  livery  of  the  country.  In  fact, 
though  Petrus  had  kept  the  secret  to  himself  he  had  stripped 
two  of  the  men  who  were  lying  dead  on  the  field,  that  he  might 
furnish  these  travelling  dresses ;  and  taking  those  cast  off 
from  the  two  young  men,  he  hid  them  so  that  he  might  use 
them,  as  he  knew  he  could,  profitably,  on  some  other  occa- 
sion, in  deceiving  the  opposite  party  at  the  game  of  "  give 
and  take." 

As  short  a  time  as  possible  was  consumed  in  these  prepara- 
tions, under  the  superintendence  of  Gabriel ;  and  Petrus, 
being  one  of  those  men  who  work  for  the  highest  pay,  was 
assured  of  reward  according  as  his  work  was  weil  done. 
His  eagerness  at  getting  all  that  he  could  appropriate  to  him- 
self was  the  key  to  his  character. 

"You  may  know  your  man,"  said  Gabriel,  when  the  other 
stepped  aside  to  lift  a  button  that  shone  among  the  litter  at 
his  feet,  blowing  the  dust  out  of  its  eye  and  putting  it  in  his 
pocket,  all  unconscious  of  doing  any  uncommon  thing 
"  You  will  see  that  he  has  his  price,  so  use  him,  by  the  grace 
of  high  promises,  till  you  see  he  is  becoming  greedy  of  gifts, 
as  well  as  of  graces  ;  and  when  it  comes  to  the  last  and  the 
worst,  see,  there  is  a  pair  of '  covenant  keepers,'  which  you 
will  need  sometime,  perhaps  ;  but  always  remember,  as  the 
Dutch  wives  say,  '  Better  fazle  a  fool  as  by  vecht  dem.'  " 

With  this  advice,  he  put  a  pair  of  pistols  in  each  of  their 
hands,  which,  in  addition  to  what  arms  they  had  already. 
ma^ie  them  well  defended.  With  that  he  bade  them  aclieu. 
Tl.ey  were  now  in  the  hands  of  the  slippery  Petrus,  who 
took  them  by  a  foot-path,  which  ran  along  a  stream,  till  h;; 
c<*me.  near  to  what  evidently  appeared,  even  in  the  grey  of  tim 


240  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIU. 

morning,  to  be  a  graveyard.  The  dark  stone  monuments 
were  visible,  while  the  silence  which  prevailed,  in  contrast  to 
what  had  in  the  early  part  of  the  night  been  experienced,  was 
heavy  and  oppressive  to  the  hearts  of  those  young  men,  who 
were  now  set  out  upon  an  enterprise  far  more  hazardous  than 
a  pitched  battle.  There  was  not  a  whisper  uttered  by 
either,  and  even  Petrus  was  prudently  silent ;  but  coming  to 
the  corner  of  a  field,  he  abruptly  seized  Clarence  by  the  arm, 
and  standing  between  the  two,  he  whispered,  as  he  pointed 
with  his  finger  to  an  object  that  moved  slowly  a  few  paces 
from  them,  "  See !  see !"  They  looked  to  the  place,  and 
saw  the  figure  of  a  man.  "  See !  see !"  and  the  covetous 
hypocrite's  teeth  chattered  as  he  tried  to  laugh  off  his  fear. 
"  'Tis  only  the  Dominie  talking  to  the  dead.  He  says  him- 
self that  he  stands  between  the  living  and  the  dead.  He 
does  not  know  that  we  are  here.  But  we  must  go  faster 
than  at  this  pace." 

This  was  said  to  keep  his  own  courage  up,  for  the  truth 
was,  Ms  knees  had  an  ague  fit,  and  had  his  two  companions 
dot  been  firm  and  courageous  men,  they  would  not  have  kept 
company  long  with  him  ;  but  they  seized  him  by  the  collar 
and  dragged  him  a  mile,  till  he  got  over  his  fright,  when  his 
tongue  began  to  loosen,  and  to  boast  of  what  they  knew  was 
false,  that  he  was  a  very  bold  and  determined  "  dare  devil." 

A  little  occurrence  took  place  a  short  distance  further  on, 
\vhich  showed  that  all  three  were  but  flesh  and  blood  in 
regard  to  true  courage,  and  that  in  reality  none  of  them  had 
more  of  that  virtue  than  they  needed.  A  large  black 
dog  came  running  toward  them  with  a  mixture  of  gladness 
and  fierceness  which  made  his  gestures  strange  to  the  three 
men,  and  not  understood  till  Petrus  at  last  came  out  with 
the  secret,  and  with  as  much  unconcern  as  if  he  had  done  a 
meritorious  deed.  When  the  animal  came  near  to  them,  he 
began  to  smell  the  clothes  which  the  t\vo  strangers  had  on, 
and  then  to  look  up  in  their  faces  with  a  strange,  mysteiious 
fear,  which  made  the  blood  run  chill  in  their  veins.  After 
acting  thus  he  left  them,  barking  fiercely,  till  he  got  to  a 
gate  on  the  road,  which  he  leaped  over,  when  he  set  up  u 
howling  most  terrific. 

"  That  is  Tobias  Snyder's   dog   Pompey,"  said  Petrus 
"  he  knows  his  master's  clothes.     What  wise  creeturs  these 
dogs  are,  to  know  about  dead  men." 

The  wearers  of  the  dead  men's  garments  began  to  icalize, 
for  the  first  time,  the  predicament  they  were  in.  All  that 


MORE   DANGERS   THAN   A   BATTLE.  241 

they  had  heard  in  their  lifetime  of  the  sagacity  of  the  dog  came 
to  their  minds,  together  with  the  likelihood  of  being  found 
out  and  suspected  of  being  the  murderers  of  those  who  had 
so  recently  worn  them.  "Murder  will  out,"  they  said,  smi1 
ing  bitterly  the  one  to  the  other.  Perhaps,  after  all,  there 
was  a  grain  of  superstition  at  the  core,  pointing  to  the  ghopt 
of  the  murdered  man  following  the  garb  in  which  he  was  last 
dressed.  This  incident  impelled  all  the  three  forward  with 
increased  speed,  in  the  hope  of  making  their  way  a  few  miles 
further  before  the  day  dawned.  The  two  strangers,  in  their 
eagerness,  outstripped  their  guide,  and  at  one  time  they  began 
to  suspect  that  he  had  given  them  the  slip.  Fear,  however, 
was  impelling  him  as  rapidly  as  his  friends,  for  by  this  time 
he  learned  he  had  to  do  with  men  of  determined  purpose  ; 
besides,  he  was  also  aware  of  the  power  which  Gabriel 
wielded  over  him  behind  the  scenes.  Tired  all  were,  though 
not  caring  for  sleep ;  yet  it  was  necessary  for  safety  that  they 
should  lie  still  for  some  time,  and  in  some  place  near  at  hand. 
To  this  place  Petrus  was  taking  them.  Arriving  at  a  low 
stone  house,  built  as  if  intended  to  last  till  the  mountain  near 
It  should  waste  away,  he  gave  three  knocks,  and  a  fourth 
email  touch  with  his  knuckle,  when  a  large  fat  wench,  of  the 
genuine  Guinea  breed,  admitted  them,  without  questioning 
che  new  comers.  Not  so  an  old  woman  who  put  her  head 
out  of  a  recess  inclosed  by  doors,  where  she  lay  on  her  bed, 
and  cried  out,  with  a  sharpness  that  rose  from  impatience 
and  fear,  joined  with  old  age  : 

"  Vat's  de  matter  noo,  dats  tou  here  at  dis  time  oo  de 
morning,  veu  oos  vanted  at  Sopus  ?  Te  dog  has  been  here 
howling  like  te  wolf,  and  te  old  man  down  wid  his  gun 
vatching  te  Tories  once.  Budten  vay  is  here?"  and  Avith 
that  the  old  woman  looked  at  the  strangers  with  a  scrutiny 
that  made  them  wish  within  themselves  that  they  were  either 
on  the  mountain  or  on  the  sea. 

"  Never  mind,  Dame  Wynkoop,"  said  the  wily  Petvus ; 
"  twae  Weegies  on  a  message  to  the  general  at  Albany  from 
the  governor,  keeping  out  of  the  way  of  the  konink's  sogers." 

This  was  said  in  the  ear  of  the  good  lady,  who  received  ii 
as  it  was  intended,  lying  down  mumbling  something  to  her- 
self in  Dutch.  "  Oog  omoog  en  tand  om.  land." 

"  Yaw,  ya\v,  granny,"  said  the  double-tongued  listener ; 
"  \ve  shall  take  more  than  an  eye  for  an  eye,  or  a  tooth  for  a 
tooth — we  shall  make  them  stone  blind,  and  krock  all  their 
tee  ill  down  their  throat." 

U 


THE   DUTCH   DOMLNTE. 

"While  this  dialogue  was  going  on,  the  unwieldy  African 
wench  was  bustling  about  preparing  breakfast  for  the  family, 
and  casting  side  glances  all  the  while  at  the  coat  Bertram 
wore,  till  fairly  overcome  by  her  curiosity,  she  seized  hold 
of  the  lappel  with  the  evident  intention  of  giving  it  a  more 
narrow  scrutiny.  Petrus  saw  the  difficulty,  and  coining  up 
siily,  he  slipped  a  bright  silver  dollar  in  her  hand,  saying  in 
her  ear : 

"  Give  us  the  high  outside  chamber,  and  keep  the  old  vrow 
quiet  when  the  old  man  comes." 

With  a  sly  wink  he  left,  going  up  a  hidden  stairway,  sig- 
nalling his  companions  to  follow.  When  he  got  there,  and 
had  sat  down  to  bread,  milk,  and  meat,  which  he  found  for 
them,  he  said : 

"  Now  you  must  rest  as  you  can  till  the  night  comes  on, 
or  sooner,  as  I  see  my  way  clear.  In  the  mean  time,  you  are 
to  pass  for  wrhat  I  have  represented  you  to  be,  good 
Whigs  going  on  business  to  Albany  as  soon  as  you  are 
rested." 

"  Surely,"  said  Clarence,  "  we  may  go  at  any  time  of  the 
day  through  these  wild  regions  without  meeting  any  crowd 
of  people  or  any  very  cunning  men." 

"  Wild  regions  !  Do  you  call  these  cultivated  farms  wild 
regions  ?"  said  the  indignant  Petrus.  "  Tiie  finest  wheat  in 
the  world  grows  here,  and  the  apples  of  the  garden  of  Eden 
are  springing  out  of  the  clefts  of  the  rocks.  And  if  you  sup- 
pose that  there  are  no  people  near,  let  me  tell  you  that  the 
road  is  lined  with  houses  like  this  all  the  way  to  Catsbaan, 
and  there,  in  the  grand  stone  church,  a  garrison  is  lodged 
just  to  nab  the  king's  men  in  disguise,  and  strangers  would 
run  some  risk,  I  can  assure  you.  They  place  about  the  same 
value  on  them  that  they  do  on  foxes  and  the  like — twenty 
shillings  a  head  at  the  clerk's  office." 

"  Then  you  would  not  make  much  by  delivering  us  up," 
said  Bertram,  looking  slily  into  the  face  of  the  half  jocular 
Petrus,  who  was  enjoying  his  own  joke  till  he  saw  that  buth 
the  gentlemen  were  looking  to  the  state  of  their  pistols. 

"  Judging  from  that  barking  thing  in  your  hand,"  said  the 
guide,  "  I  might  fill  one  grave  more  than  you  have  filled 
already,  and  lie  down  without  my  fee.  But  let  us  all  to  bed. 
The  old  wench  has  engaged  to  walk  sentry,  and  I  always 
sleep  Avith  one  eye  shut  and  one  ear  open." 

Sleep  they  did,  as  soldiers  and  sailors  sleep,  witli  their 
senses  so  quick  that  the  smallest  noise  would  have  wakened 


MOKE    DANGERS    THAN    A   BATTLE.  24<5 

them.  They  dreamed  over  the  events  of  the  past  day.  The 
dreums  of  each  partook  of  the  special  state  of  mind  in  which 
he  lay  down.  Clarence  saw  a  procession  of  men — sometimes 
it  was  Indians,  then  it  was  red-coated  soldiers,  then  mixed 
with  others — moving  around  a  graveyard,  where  were  tall 
figures  with  torches,  standing  in  a  circle  ;  in  the  midst  of  it 
was  his  sister,  who  clung  to  the  man  with  the  three-cornered 
hat,  who  stood  with  a  naked  sword  defending  her  from 
Kiskataam. 

Bertram's  mind  ran,  in  his  dream,  after  a  dog,  who  was 
always  tearing  at  his  coat,  and  baying  in  his  ear  like  a  wolf. 
Somehow  he  found  himself  fleeing  from  him,  and  sitting  on 
a  cliif  that  overhung  the  sea,  with  the  ship  Vulture  below, 
where  stood  the  Lady  Clinton,  waving  her  handkerchief 
to  her  daughter  Margaret,  who  was  clapping  her  hands 
with  joy  at  the  whole  scene.  All  of  a  sudden  he  fell  down, 
down,  till  he  cried  out  in  a  fit  of  nightmare  that  awoke  his 
companion,  who  sprang  to  his  feet  thinking  of  danger. 

There  was  cause  for  these  confused  images  rising  in  the 
minds  of  the  sleepers,  which  they  found  out  when  they  aros^. 
Within  doors,  and  just  below  where  they  were  lodged,  and 
all  around  the  house,  the  greatest  confusion  prevailed,  arisl.:^ 
from  the  return  of  the  people  from  Sopus,  bringing  WHM 
them  one  of  the  family  who  had  been  killed  in  the  mnle<\ 
It  was  a  fearful  sound  to  any  listener,  but  to  those  who  hud 
so  much  cause  to  dread  the  vengeance  of  the  country  as  tiui 
followers  of  the  king,  it  was  horrifying.  Curses  both  loud  aud 
deep  were  uttered  upon  the  Tories  and  on  the  soldiers, 
mingled  with  the  sobs  of  the  women  weeping  for  their  dead. 
The  old  man's  grief  was  affecting  to  both  the  young  men, 
who  began  to  think  on  the  efiect  which  the  news  of  their 
being  "  missing  "  would  have  upon  their  fathers. 

"  I  tought  myself  done  wid  te  worlt,  ende  dat  my  kinder- 
ken  would  have  a  care  ov  rne  all  mine  liven,  budt  I  maien  go 
to  te  ploegt,  ende  de  harrow,  ende  te  gun  myself;  nor  lay 
te  gun  down  till  te  cruel  Tory  be  druv  out  of  de  land.  Oh, 
mene  kindren  !  mene  kinderken  woulden  to  Goden  Ik  deed 
for  tee." 

The  old  woman  of  the  morning  here  put  in  her  word, 
"  oog  om  oog  tand  om  tand." 

"  Ah,  the  old  beldame,"  said  Bertram,  "  You  hear  that. 
She  has  that  favorite  word  of  vengeance  in  her  heart.  You 
remember  Pctrus  said  that  it  meant  '  an  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a 
tyoth  for  a  tooth.'  Where  is  that  rascal  goto  ?  surely  he  has 


244  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

not  left  us  here  in  the  hands  of  our  enemies.  See  the  crowd 
round  the  house ;  keep  back  from  the  windows.  We  are 
surrounded,  by  St.  George  !" 

"  Hush !"  said  the  other  ;  "  hark  to  that  voice  ;  I  know  it, 
for  I  must  have  heard  it  in  my  sleep,"  and  both  put  down 
their  ears  to  t?he  floor,  listening,  when  they  discovered  that 
of  the  Dominie,  who  was  comforting  the  mourners  in  this 
hour.  "  They  have  died  in  a  noble  cause ;  the  cause  of 
Goden  and  the  country.  They  were  good  men  that  fell, 
and  your  zoon  was  a  good  lad,  and  you  will  soon  follow.  The 
cup  that  my  father  hath  given.  You  know  the  rest,  Fred, 
and  must  be  patient." 

"  Do  you  suppose  his  majesty  could  ever  conquer  a  people 
of  such  stern  principles  as  these  Calvinists  ?  For  my  part,  I 
have  always  told  my  father  that  these  New  Englanders 
resembled  the  Scotch  that  I  lived  among  at  Edinburgh,  more 
than  they  did  the  English.  And  the  chaplain  was  sure  to 
chime  in  with  his  heretical  Calvinists — Fatalists.  '  No,'  my 
father  would  say,  '  they  have  a  will  that  conquers  in  spite  of 
faith.' »» 

"  I  think  it  will  be  the  same  here.  When  the  Hudson 
runs  up  the  stream  the  king  will  conquer  human  nature  that 
has  religion  to  help  it." 

At  this  part  of  the  play,  Petrus  caiae  slipping  in  at  the 
door,  when  they  beckoned  him  near,  saying:  "you  have 
brought  us  into  the  panther's  den  very  soon,  but  here  is  the 
cure  ibr  two  at  least,"  as  a  pistol's  muzzle  turned,  toward  that 
worthy's  body  in  a  threatening  manner.  But  he,  without 
changing  color,  merely  said : 

44  Yes,  and  it  will  depend  upon  how  you  behave  yourselves 
if  you  ever  get  out  of  it.  You  are  suspicious  of  this  place  as 
a  trap,  and  so  think  of  blood-letting,  as  if  I  had  brought  this 
on  you.  But  who  killed  the  old  man's  son  ?  Did  1  hui  t 
any  one  last  night  ?" 

"  What  have  you  to  do  with  that  ?  was  it  a  part  of  the 
bargain  between  us  that  you  should  deliver  us  into  the  hands 
of  the  men  who  will  take  vengeance  on  us  as  murderers  ? 
You  must  account  for  this,  and  that  here  on  the  spot." 

"Hear  me,  and  then  kill  me  if  you  must;  but  I  would  din 
with  a  clear  conscience  toward  you  at  least,  if  I  can.  There 
is  only  one  way  of  escape  for  you,  and  that  is  by  giving 
yourselves  up  into  the  hands  of  these  .nen;  for  they  know 
already  that  two  of  the  king's  troops  are  here." 

44  Give  ourselves  up !"  both  almost  shouted  out.     "  No,  by 


MOKE  DANQEKS  THAN  A  BATTLE.         245 

King  George,  we  will  fight  till  we  die  first.  Here  we  are,  up 
in  this  citadel,  well  armed,  and  partially  provisioned;"  for  as 
Bertram  said  this,  Petrus  was  swallowing  the  last  morsel  of 
bread  brought  in  the  morning. 

"  All  very  fine,  gentlemen,"  said  the  cool  Dutchman,  "  all 
fine  with  a  hundred  men  in  the  house,  and  the  door  all 
bored  for  balls ;  and  look  down  to  your  feet,  the  board  you 
stand  upon  is  the  only  thing  between  you  and  perdition;  ha! 
ha  !  thinner  than  the  bottom  of  a  ship." 

The  two  confounded  men  looked  in  each  other's  faces,  and 
seriously  began  to  think  of  taking  revenge  on  the  fellow 
that  had  so  entrapped  them,  as  they  still  thought;  but  after  a 
close  scrutiny  of  his  conduct,  other  light  came  into  their 
minds.  He  could  not  possibly  have  known  all  the  circum- 
stances, and  his  plan  of  giving  them  up  had  a  clue  to  it 
which  must  be  left  to  the  unfolding  of  the  history  as  we  pro 
ceed.  In  the  meantime  the  young  Englishmen  were  in  a 
great  rage,  so  that  the  guide  began  to  think  it  was  time  foi 
him  to  escape. 

"  Let  us  sell  our  lives  as  dearly  as  we  can,"  said  the  one  tc 
the  other,  "  and  send  a  ball  through  that  fool's  head." 

"  Knave's  heart,  you  mean,"  said  Clarence  ;  "  for  fool  or 
knave,  he  deserves  it  alike." 

Before  he  had  time  to  say  another  word,  Petrus  was  glid- 
ing through  a  side  door,  behind  where  he  had  stood  eating 
their  last  morsel,  as  if  he  intended  to  strip  the  garrison  be- 
fore he  starved  it  out.  He  left  his  two  companions  looking  in 
each  other's  faces,  in  the  utmost  consternation,  and  for  the 
first  time  they  both  obtained  a  glance  at  themselves  in  day- 
light. They  would  have  laughed  outright  had  they  not 
remembered  that  one  of  them  had  on  the  clothes  of  the  dead 
man  whose  corpse  lay  below.  With  feelings  too  bitter  for 
mirth,  and  in  a  condition  too  critical  for  hasty  action,  they 
sat  down  to  deliberate  :  first,  barricading  their  temporary 
fortress.  There  being  but  one  board  between  them  and  the 
room  below,  they  heard  what  was  said  easily  ;  and  as  their 
own  fate  was  on  the  tapis,  it  was  proper  and  honorable 
enough  in  them  to  listen,  when,  as  the  proverb  runs,  "  they 
did  not  hear  a  good  word  of  themselves." 

"  Petrus  Smith,  stand  up  and  tell  whae  the  men  be,  up  in 
de  geliedden.  Put  a  guard  on  te  window." 

This  was  said  at  the  very  moment  the  thought  had  entered 
into  the  minds  of  the  prisoners — for  they  were  now  prisoners 
—concerning  a  means  of  escape  to  the  hills,  when,  to  their 


U-6  THK   DUTCH    DOMIHTE. 

exceeding  vexation,  the  order  was  given  to  watch  them ; 
and  six  men  marched  out  in  front  of  the  window  where  they 
stood,  with  weapons  that  would,  apeak  truth  and  death  at 
the  same  moment.  It  would  have  been  folly  to  have  at- 
tempted a  sortie  in  the  face  of  suca.  a  icrce,  so  they  yielded 
to  their  fate. 

"  Petrus,"  continued  the  same  person  who  gave  the  com- 
mand to  watch,  and  in  whom  the  prisoners  above  recognized 
the  voice  of  the  Dominie,  "  give  an  account  of  thyself,  and  of 
the  company  thee  keeps.  Who  are  these  men  thou  hast 
brought  with  thee  into  this  house,  and  where  are  they 
going  ?" 

The  sly  hypocrite  saw  that  he  was  here  in  a  tight  place 
himself,  and  that  his  character  was  suspected;  so  he  found 
l;hat  the  best  plan  for  him  was  to  go  back  and  take  up  what 
he  could  substantiate.  So  going  through  a  long-winded 
Btory,  he  came  at  iast  to  say,  that  being  like  others  at  So^us, 
through  the  past  dismal  night,  he  was  returning  home  just  at 
cock-crowing,  when  standing  at  the  northwest  corner  ot  the 
grave-yard,  he  found  these  two  men  inquiring  the  way  to 
Albany,  as  they  had  business  with  General  Schuyler ;  and  as 
they  offered  him  a  price  to  show  them  the  way,  "  what,  was 
I  to  refuse  the  men  who  were  going  to  see  such  a  good  man, 
and  a  friend  to  his  country  ?"  He  came  with  them  so  far,  but 
beginning  to  suspect  that  all  was  not  right,  he  had  brought 
them  in  here,  and  now  he  left  them  to  the  care  of  the 
Dominie,  and  of  the  Consistory. 

This  story  sounded  very  like  something  got  up  for  the 
occasion,  and  was  far  from  making  an  impression  on  the 
assembly,  especially  when  one  of  Petrus'  neighbors  stated, 
that  he  had  called  at  the  door  of  the  other  at  tiie  tirno  of  the 
alarm,  and  the  answer  was  that  he  could  not  leave,  and  he 
doubted  whether  he  was  out  of  his  bed  at  cock-crowing. 

At  this  point,  the  Dominie  said  that  "  a  broder  could  not 
be  condemned  but  by  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  : 
Petrus,  thee  was,  thou  sayest,  at  the  nordwest  corner  of  the 
graveyard,  at  cock-crowing.  What  cock  nearest  ?  Wliai 
did  thou  see  at  the  time  the  cock  crew,  in  heaven  and  on 
earth  ?  Answer  all  three  questions  at  once." 

"  It  was  te  Dominie's  red  cock  that  crew ;  the  red  morn 
rose  just  over  the  top  of  the  red  flame,  and  the  Dominie 
himself  was  standing  beside  the  tombstone  of  old  Yaakob 
Eimendorf." 

"  Enough,  enough  !"  said  the  honest  Dominie.     "  I  saw 


MORE   DANGEES   TFJAN    A   BATTLE.  247 

the  three  men  turn  round  the  corner,  and  go  north,  but  did 
not  know  that  Petrus  was  there ;  I  thought  it  must  be  some 
omzwevende,  de  afiscrapsel,  but  did  not  think  that  Petrus 
was  among  them." 

"Dominie,  I  am  not  vagabond  nor  offscouring,  but  an 
honest  man,  and  a  vreedzaman  in  these  wicked  times." 

"  Well,  we  can  but  suspect  you,  not  prove  you  guilty ; 
and  as  to  your  being  a  peacemaker,  let  me  tell  you  they  are 
the  best  peacemakers  that  are  pure  in  heart ;  for  you  must 
remember,  my  kinderns  alle,  that  the  wisdom  from  above 
is  eerste  zuiver  daara  vreedzaam — first  pure,  then  peaceable. 
I  thought,  when  I  saw  the  three  men,  that  it  was  some  eenige 
booze  mannen  ait  de  markboeven." 

"  Who  calls  me  a  lewd  fellow  or  one  of  the  baser  sort  ?" 
said  Petrus,  with  mock  passion. 

"Nay,  nay,"  said  another  voice  here,  "budt  tell  us  once 
Petrus,  vy  te  give  Dyaan  tis  silver  milledoleor  ?" 

This  was  a  poser ;  but  the  ready  sinner  asked  immediately 
if  he  had  not  told  Dyaan  to  waken  him  whenever  Tobias, 
came  home. 

"  Sartain  sure,"  said  the  honest  creature ;  "  and  no'd  tell 
de  ole  man  that  Petrus  was  up  stair."  Here  she  sniggered 
jut  a  true  African  giggle  of  triumph,  as  she  drew  the  bright 
piece  out  of  her  capacious  bosom,  and  threw  it  down  on  the 
iable  before  the  Dominie,  with  a  clear  jingle  that  harmonized 
with  her  words.  "  Dere,  Domilie,  tak  it,  my  fingers  burn," 
and  she  spit  upon  them  before  she  wiped  them  on  her 
greasy  side. 

The  careful  pastor  saw  that  trouble  was  brewing,  and  that 
at  a  time  when  other  thoughts  than  revenge  should  rise  in 
their  hearts ;  so  taking  down  the  large  Bible,  he  opened  it 
at  the  fifteenth  Psalm,  and  commanding  silence,  he  read  and 
commented.  "  Heere  wie  zal  verkeeren  in  uwe  tente  V  wie 
zal  woonen  op  den  berg  uwer  Heiligheit.  Die  oprechet 
\vandelt  ende  gerechtigheit  werkt ;  ende  die  met  zyn.  Herte 
ie  waarkiet  spreekt." 

"Here  is  an  English  Bible,"  said  Clarence  to  his  com 
panion ;  "  let  us  see  what  the  text  is.  '  Lord,  who  shall 
nbide  in  thy  tabernacle  ?  who  shall  abide  in  thy  holy  place  ? 
He  that  walketh  uprightly  and  worketh  righteousness,  and 
speaketh  truth  in  his  heart.  Hearken  to  the  exhortation.'  " 

"  The  parson  suspects  that  the  villain  is  telling  a  false- 
hood," said ,  Bertram.  "There  is  hope  yet.  Don't  you 
remember  what  the  fellow  Gabriel  said  '  Trust,  the  I>oiriini« 


248  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

before  any  one  else  with  your  secret.  Light  breaks  upon 
us." 

By  this  time  the  good  man  was  in  earnest  prayer,  and  as 
there  is  always  power  where  there  is  earnest  pathos,  even 
where  the  language  is  foreign  to  our  native  tongue,  the 
hearts  of  these  young  men  in  their  condition  turned  upward 
as  they  listened  to  the  singing  tones  of  the  stranger,  amidst 
the  deep  silence  below,  except  as  it  was  broken  by  a  sigh 
and  a  sob  which  came  from  the  afflicted  father's  and  mother's 
heart.  By  the  time  the  devotion  was  over,  all  were  melted 
into  another  spirit. 

"  Whoever  dreams  in  London,"  said  Clarence,  "  of  such 
scenes  being  acted  here  among  these  Dutch  boors,  in  this 
wild  country?  There  is  more  refinement  and  real  power  in 
that  service  than  in  the  Bishop  of  Exeter's.  It  is  like  a  chant 
on  an  old  organ." 

"  And  in  an  older  cathedral  too,  you  would  say,  looking 
out  on  these  fine  old  trees ;  on  that  noble  mountain,  where, 
to  tell  you  the  truth,  my  mind  was  running  in  search  of 
liberty  all  the  time  the  prayer  went  forward,  which,  for 
aught  I  know,  might  be  for  vengeance  on  our  heads.  I  had 
always  heard  that  the  Yankees  were  a  canting  set,  and  put 
the  curses  of  the  Psalmist  on  their  tongues  when  they  spoke 
of  the  king,  and  of  his  navy  ami  army." 

The  door  opened  at  this  juncture  at  the  call  of  Petrus,  who 
came  to  it,  telling  them  that  he  was  alone,  and  had  brought 
a  message  to  them  from  the  Consistory. 

"  Consistory !"  exclaimed  the  two  prisoners  in  a  breath  ; 
"  we  have  heard  of  the  consistory  of  the  Romish  Church,  but 
we  took  this  to  be  a  Protestant  country ;  and  what  right 
have  they  to  demand  our  presence?  Is  it  a  civil  or  a 
spiritual  court  ?"  To  all  of  this,  the  wily  Petrus  was  silent, 
afraid  lest  he  should  be  heard  by  the  people  below-stairs,  and 
not  sure  but  that  he  might  have  a  ball  sent  through  his  pate 
by  the  outraged  men  he  stood  before.  He  merely  winked 
and  whispered  "patience,"  as  he  put  his  lingers  to  his  hps, 
turning  to  lead  the  way  as  a  cat  turns  and  steps  when  an 
enemy  is  about  to  dart  upon  her. 

"  No  help  for  it,"  said  Bertram.  "  We  will  know  the 
worst  all  the  sooner." 

They  entered  on  this  new  stage  with  anything  but  feelings 
of  confidence.  Already  disgraced,  at  least  degraded,  they 
were  from  their  real  position  in  society.  Young  officers 
accustomed  to  walk  in  Britannia's  livery,  were  in  American 


MORE   DANGERS   THAN   A   BATTLtt.  249 

homespun,  worn  yesterday  by  the  youth  whose  corpse  was 
now  laid  out  in  Holland  sheets.  This  was  the  first  object 
which  met  their  eyes,  and  went  further  to  their  hearts  than  a 
hundred  balls  would  on  the  battle-field.  The  room  was 
crowded  with  men,  who  looked  daggers  at  the  prisoners ;  but 
all  were  under  restraint,  for  in  the  centre  of  the  room  stood  a 
round  table,  at  which  sat  nine  men,  who  had  the  authority, 
and  who,  from  their  gravity  and  honest  faces,  seemed  worthy 
of  it.  This  was  after  the  manner  of  the  kerke  of  Holland. 
The  Dominie  sat  as  president,  and  could  not  be  mistaken 
from  the  rest,  who  were  all  dressed  in  the  common  garb  of 
the  country,  while  he  wore  a  large  black  coat  that  came  to 
his  heels,  and  over  his  capacious  chest  hung  the  true  Geneva 
bands.  He  was  a  dignified  man,  and  would  have  commanded 
respect  anywhere.  The  young  men  were  prepared,  after 
what  they  had  both  heard  from  Gabriel,  to  yield  him 
reverence,  though  not  obedience.  The  men  near  him  were 
his  counsellors,  though  he  seldom  asked  counsel.  His  word 
was  law  with  all,  except  with  one  Geordie  Cockburn,  a 
shrewd  Scotchman,  who  had  found  his  way  hither,  first 
as  a  teacher,  and  then  as  a  surveyor ;  and  so,  by  degrees, 
like  all  of  his  countrymen,  he  climbed  to  the  top  of  the 
heap.  Possessed  naturally  of  the  controversial  spirit,  he 
stood  up  for  his  right  to  speak  his  mind,  in  spite  of  the 
Dominie. 

"  The  criminals  have  entered,"  said  some  one,  addressing 
the  president. 

"  No  one  can  be  criminal,"  said  that  worthy,  "  till  he  is 
found  guilty.  Doth  our  law  condemn  any  man  before  it 
hears  him  and  knows  what  he  doeth  ?  Or,  as  our  good  Hol- 
land Dutch  says  :  '  Ordelt  ook  onze  wet  den  mensch,  ten  zij 
ze  eerst  van  hem  gehoord  heeft,  en  verstat  wat  heij  doet '?' " 

This  was  said  with  great  tartness,  and  to  gain  time,  for 
the  president  saw  at  a  glance  that  the  young  men  were  of  a 
superior  class,  though  in  disguise,  so  he  asked  in  a  dignified 
manner : 

"  Has  any  one  here  charges  to  table  against  any  person  of 
persons,  for  burning  Sopus,  and  killing  Ik.  ende  his  brothef 
Benjae  Snyder  ?  It  is  a  case  of  Fama  Olamosa." 

"  Wouldna  it  be  as  weel,"  said  the  Elder  Cockburn,  who 
took  speech  in  hand  here,  "that  we  speered  the  names  o' 
the  twa  youngsters,  before  we  gang  any  furder  in  this  busi 
ness  ?  In  my  kintra  they  aye  put  down  the  name  with  ,hree 
or  four  aliases  to  the  tail  o't." 


250  THE   DUTCH 

"Take  down  the  names  of  the  prisoners,"  said  the  presi- 
dent, at  this  suggestion,  as  he  turned  sharply  on  Cockburn, 
saying,  "  thee  always  art  careful  to  instruct  the  Dominie  in  his 
duty." 

"  In  many  counsellors  there  is  safety,  you  ken,"  said  the 
Elder,  "  as  Solomon  the  wise  man  said  langsyne.  What  is 
your  name,  callants?" 

"  May  we  inquire,"  said  Bertram,  being  the  elder  of  the 
two,  "  by  whose  authority  we  are  here  placed  as  prisoners  ?" 

"  At  the  instance  of  Dominie  Doll,  Praeses  of  the  Consis- 
tory of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Sopus," 
Baid  the  chief  man,  with  some  dignity;  "and  if  you  be  not 
ready  to  tell,  we  will  try  you  under  the  names  of  John  Doe, 
arid  Richard  Roe,  of  London.  Be  you  ready  for  trial  ?" 

"  We  decline  pleading  before  this  court,  if  court  it  be," 
said  Bertram,  "  and  claim  our  privilege  as  subjects  of  the 
king  of  Great  Britain." 

"I  told  yoU  so,"  said  the  president  to  the  others  who  sat 
near  him.  4t  British  subjects  in  disguise,  and  within  the  lines. 
Make  out  the  charge  against  spies  and  murderers,  art  and 
part." 

"  You  will  surely  grant  us  time,"  said  Bertram,  who  saw 
that  he  had  made  a  grievous  mistake,  and  who  wanted  leisure 
to  consider  their  future  course.  "  We  may  be  able  after  a 
day  to  bring  exculpatory  proof  in  our  defence." 

"  Proof!"  said  a  little  short,  dumpy  man,  who  rose  as  lie 
spoke.  "What  need  of  more  proof  than  this  here  patch  on 
the  knee  of  these  tubbs,  that  I  put  on  with  my  own  fingers 
on  Benjae  Snyder,  the  day  before  he  left  with  his  gun  on  his 
shoulder.  That's  as  true  as  I  learned  the  tailor  trade  with 
Gideon  Noble,  of  New  Milford,  Connecticut.  That's  my  say, 
as  Elihu,  one  of  Job's  friends,  said,  when  he  spoke  lest  his, 
belly  should  burst  like  a  new  wine-bottle." 

"  Sit  down,  Eph  Sly;  you  are  one  good  witness,  and  here 
is  another,"  said  a  rollicking,  red-faced  man,  with  a  sinister 
twinkle  in  his  eye.  "  These  are  witnesses  enough,"  and  he 
opened  a  bundle  which  contained  the  two  coats  of  the  young 
officers,  which  Petrus  had  hidden  away.  It  was  impossible 
to  see  this  and  remain  unmoved.  The  prisoners  felt  all  the 
shame  of  their  present  disguise,  and  the  company  broke  out 
in  a  perfect  storm  of  indignation,  which  was  stopped  only  by 
the  Dominie,  who  rose  and  pointed  to  the  body  of  the  (.lead 
\aan,  saying  solemnly,  "  We  are  in  the  presence  of  Death,  a 
greater  king  than  George  III.  Do  the  prisoners  want  any 


MOEE   DANGERS   THAN    A   BATTLK.  251 

more  proof?"  he  added,  looking  toward  them  in  some  pity 
for  their  condition. 

It  is  impossible  to  say  what  would  have  been  the  effect  of 
following  up  the  disposition  of  the  company,  had  not  Cock- 
burn,  whose  clear  mind  saw  the  difficulty,  and  who  deter- 
mined upon  unravelling  it  by  cutting  the  knots  asunder,  and 
by  making  a  set  speech  of  some  length,  Avhich  he  was  rather 
fond  of  doing.  The  sum  of  it  was,  that  we  shall  be  iti  dan- 
ger of  violating  the  place  of  the  Safety  Committee,  by  taking 
this  business  in  hand.  "  I  doubt,"  said  he,  "  if  the  matter 
comes  under  our  jurisdiction,  for  if  thae  men  be  spies,  what 
have  we  to  do  with  them  ?" 

"  Ende  vat  vill  we  do  wid  the  men  dressed  in  Benjae's  and 
Ik's  coat  ?"  was  asked  on  all  sides. 

"Do  what  you  like  with  them,"  said  Cockburn,  "  only 
don't  bother  the  Kerke  Session  wi'  them,  nor  wi'  ony  political 
strife.  We  can  only  tak  notice  of  slips  of  the  foot ;  moral 
offences  that  deserve  the  cutty  stool,  or  sic  like." 

While  tois  speech  was  making,  there  was  a  little  by-play 
going  on  that  interested  some  of  the  parties  exceedingly. 
The  man  who  had  brought  in  the  coats  of  the  prisoners  went 
off  into  a  corner,  and  began  rifling  the  pockets,  which  was 
not  unobserved  by  the  Dominie.  When  he  had  got  all  out, 
he  called  to  the  searcher  just  to  hand  all  these  things  here,  for 
safe  keeping.  As  they  lay  upon  the  table  before  the  com- 
pany, the  eyes  of  the  two  officers  were  scanning  their  pro- 
perty which  they  had  inadvertently  left  behind.  There  was 
the  locket  which  contained  a  miniature  of  Clarence's  dear 
mother ;  but  what  was  mortifying  to  the  very  soul  of  Ber- 
tram, he  remembered  that  on  changing  the  coat,  he  had 
slipped  the  ribbon  which  held  the  portrait  of  Margaret,  and 
now  it  lay  before  his  eyes,  and  he  could  not  obtain  a  glance 
at  it.  Clarence  was  fixing  his  eyes  upon  the  note  which  hi.s 
mother  had  thrust  into  his  hand,  just  at  parting,  along  with 
a  small  parcel  which  lay  there  with  the  rest,  and  marvelling 
much  in  his  mind  what  effect  it  would  have  on  this  reverend 
man.  It  was  addressed  to  "Governor  George  Clinton,  of 
what  was  now  called  by  many,  the  State  of  New  York." 
He  remembered  looking  over  his  mother's  shoulder,  aud 
laughingly  asking  if  she  supposed  he  was  going  to  present 
that  as  a  letter  of  introduction  to  the  rebel  governor  ;  but 
she  continued  to  write  on,  saying  :  "  Dear  cousin,  this  is  my 
son  Clarence,  and  here  is  the  amulet  you  sent  to  Margaret, 
us  an  evidence."  At  that  instant  his  father  came  to  tho 


252  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

cabin,  and  aastily  signing  her  name,  she  thrust  the  whole 
into  the  hand  of  Clarence,  who,  with  equal  haste  put  them 
into  his  breast  pocket,  where  they  were  now  found.  A  tear 
trickled  down  the  cheek  of  the  affectionate  youth,  as  he  saw 
the  Dominie  read  the  note,  and  examine  behind  his  hand 
the  amulet.  A  change  came  over  his  face,  of  a  mysterious 
kind,  so  that  by  the  time  Cockburn  was  done  with  his  speech, 
the  president  was  prepared  to  accede  to  his  motion  ;  for 
here  was  something  which  demanded  time  and  reflection. 
So  saying  something  to  himself,  he  called  out:  "The  Con- 
sistory is  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  in  the  Consistory  room,  at 
ten  o'clock.  Take  the  prisoners  where  they  came  from,  and 
prepare  for  the  funeral." 

Some  one,  it  was  the  Yankee  tailor,  who  suggested  that  it 
would  do  the  prisoners  great  good  to  sit  still  and  hear  the 
'Dominie  preach  the  funeral  discourse ;  but  the  parson  had 
no  wish  to  show  off  before  them,  and  paid  no  attention  to 
Ephraim's  words  ;  so  the  two  astonished  men  were  left  alone, 
with  a  guard  walking  before  the  window,  one  of  whom  they 
thought  they  must  have  seen  before  to-day. 

The  large  barn  floor  had  been  cleared  out  for  the  com- 
pany. Pipes  and  tobacco  lay  round  on  trays  which  were 
soon  reeking,  so  that  the  doors  sent  out  "  smoke  like  a  kiln 
loggie,"  Cockburn  said.  Then  came  in  bottles  of  cider 
brandy,  baskets  of  bread  and  cheese,  followed  by  slices  of 
ham  and  pieces  of  sausage;  sour  krout  and  choice  rum,  with 
corresponding  edibles,  of  which  all  partook  with  a  hearty 
good  will.  Prayer  and  exhortations  were  the  accompani- 
ment; not  the  main  part  of  the  occasion.  It  was  a  regular 
feast,  and  almost  a  fight  in  one  corner,  and  a  frolic  in  another. 
Liquor  will  bring  out  human  nature  whether  at  a  marriage 
or  at  a  burial.  "  When  drink's  in  wit's  out ;"  youngsters  will 
laugh  at  what  is  ludicrous,  and  the  more  solemn  the  circum- 
stances the  more  difficult  to  restrain  their  mirth.  "  It's  all 
bearin'  a  dry  sorrow,"  was  Cockburn's  sage  remark;  and  lie 
went  off  in  the  determined  spirit  of  one  that  hunts  after  an 
argument ;  no  matter  whether  the  game  be  large,  or  small 
deer,  a  mouse  or  a  bear  would  have  had  equal  attractions 
for  him  at  the  time.  Sometimes  he  might  bo  seen  hanging 
on  the  loop  of  the  Dominie's  waistcoat  doing  his  best  to  rea- 
son down  his  rising  indignation  at  what  he  saw.  "  I'll  tell 
you,  minister,  it's  ill  beariii'  a  hungry  grief.  They  speak  of 
Btuffin'  a  cold  and  starvin'  a  fever.  I'm  agreed  this  is  a  cold 
time  out  in  this  big  barn." 


DAKKNE8S,   DEATH,   ANP   DELIVERANCE.  253 

"  Yaw,  yaw,"  said  Zach  Myers ;  "  but  vat  do  you  zny  to 
dat  vetchten  dere  ?" 

And  sure  enough  there  were  two  of  the  mountain  birds 
pecking  one  another  like  hawks  at  the  dividing  of  a  chicken. 
The  Dominie  got  his  eye  upon  them  and  without  saying  a 
word,  he  walked  up  to  the  place,  giving  botli  a  lunge  with 
the  heavy  end  of  his  cane,  which  set  them  off  in  opposite  di- 
rections. Forming  themselves  in  a  row,  men,  women  and 
children,  the  pastor  in  front  of  the  coffin,  the  father  and 
mother  of  the  young  man  immediately  after  it,  all  went  to  the 
grave  where  a  prayer  was  offered,  and  then  the  people  scat- 
terSd. 


CHAPTER  V. 

DARKNESS,  DEATH  AND   DELIVERANCE. 

"  Take  care  of  thine  own  heart,  for  there  ia  not  a  more  faithful  monitor." — LORD 
KAMKS. 
"He  that  trusteth  to  his  own  heart  is  a  fool." — KINO  SOLOMON. 

THE  two  young  Englishmen  during  the  time  of  the  burial 
feast,  had  a  portion  sent  unto  them  of  which  they  stood  in 
need.  Though  not  dressed  after  the  fashion  of  a  French 
cook,  hunger  made  it  savory  and  good  to  the  taste.  Old 
Dyaan  had  taken  a  great  fancy  to  the  prisoners,  especially  to 
Clarence.  Her  heart  melted  for  him  when  she  saw  the  tear 
trickling  down  his  cheek  at  the  sight  of  his  mother's  picture. 
"  It  vas,"  she  said,  "  so  buvitul,  and  de  ribbons  ov  de  vool  on 
her  head  so  yallo." 

Petrus  came  in  telling  them  to  prepare  for  walking.  It. 
seemed  that  the  Dominie  had  taken  Cockburn's  words  to 
heart,  for  he  had  left  orders  to  have  the  prisoners  removed 
to  the  care  of  Captain  Languendyck,  whose  company  was 
garrisoned  at  Catsbaan  church  ;  and  to  that  point  the  two 
disconsolate  young  men  were  moving  by  sundown.  It  was 
not  the  fact  of  their  being  prisoners,  nor  yet  the  fear  of 
what  might  result  from  their  separation,  but  the  hindrance, 
which  this  delay  threw  in  the  way  to  prevent  them  from  over- 
taking the  cruel  Kiskataam,  who  was  doubtless  hastening  on 
with  the  one  whom  they  were  now  seeking  after,  with  all  their 
heart  and  soul.  They  must  give  her  up  as  lost,  for  as  thing? 


254  THE   DUTCH   DOMESTE. 

appeared,  they  were  lost  themselves ;  and  that  without  the 
power  of  resistance  or  defence. 

"  I  will  fulfill  my  part  of  the  bargain,  for  all  that  has  hap- 
pened," said  Petrus  in  the  ear  of  Bertram,  as  they  cams 
down  stairs ;  "  keep  a  quiet  tongue  in  your  head  and  don't 
be  blabbing  of  your  loyalty  everywhere,  lest  you  get  a  lead 
pill  through  your  belly,  before  you  have  time  to  return  the 
compliment." 

Bertram  scowled  a  dark  frown,  that  said  plainly  enough, 
"  I  will  fulfill  my  part  of  the  bargain  with  you  at  least,  you 
hypocrite,  the  first  chance  that  comes  up."  As  they  passed 
through  the  door-yard,  they  saw  little  knots  of  men  3nd 
heard  the  jabbering  of  Dutch,  loud  and  confused  enough  to 
make  them  believe  in  the  confusion  of  tongues,  had  they  ever 
doubted  the  fact  before.  As  they  could  perceive,  their  own 
case  was  the  subject  of  discussion,  and,  however  anxious  they 
might  be  to  find  out  public  opinion,  there  was  no  way  of  as- 
certaining it,  except  through  the  medium  of  their  guard,  and 
with  him  in  their  present  mood  of  mind,  they  were  not 
inclined  to  hold  any  communication.  Their  road  lay  along 
the  base  of  the  mountain,  on  one  of  those  steppes  which 
run  almost  nearly  due  north,  and  which  are  called  Vlatts, 
extending  from  half  a  mile  to  two  miles  in  breadth,  rich 
and  deep  in  soil;  having  beautiful  trout  streams  running  from 
different  points  toward  the  main  river.  The  mountain 
seemed  close  at  hand,  and  the  two  prisoners,  when  rested  and 
in  the  open  air,  felt  all  the  fire  of  youth  as  they  saw  how  near 
they  were  to  the  region  of  their  hope.  But  they  were 
guarded  too  closely  for  them  to  think  of  escaping  in  that 
manner.  After  marching  about  four  miles,  they  came  to  a 
stone  building,  which  they  were  told  was  a  church,  now 
turned  into  a  fort  and  garrisoned  by  the  Ulster  Militia.  Here 
they  were  to  be  kept  till  further  orders  arrived  from  the 
governor.  As  they  were  gentlemen,  Captain  Languendyck 
sa  d  he  would  take  their  word  of  honor,  and  let  them  range 
at  liberty.  Both  Bertram  and  Clarence  were  averse  to  so 
pledging  themselves  and  set  down  like  men  determined  to 
make  the  most  of  their  conditions,  by  taking  a  survey  of  this 
«ingular  outpost  of  defence.  Surrounding  the  building  were 
tents,  and  wagons  with  oxen  and  a  few  horses.  Smoke  was 
rising  among  the  trees  at  different  places  where  cooking 
and  chatting  were  going  on.  Two  old  cannon  were  fastened 
to  logs  by  ox  chains,  while  about  fifty  muskets  were  stacked 
oefor?  the  door.  An  endless  collection  of  pots  and  pans. 


DABKNESS,    DEATH,   AND   DELIVKEANCB.  255 

,asks  and  benches,  with  other  trumpery,  were  scattered  in 
^ndescribable  confusion  everywhere,  and  yet  the  eye  of  the 
•soldier  could  perceive  that  with  at  most  ten  minutes'  notice, 
the  men  would  be  on  the  lookout,  north  or  south  according 
as  the  alarm  might  be  given.  The  inside  of  the  venerable 
building  was  the  scene  of  similar  confusion.  All  round  the 
sides  of  the  walls  were  settles  for  beds,  on  which  were  spread 
the  heavy  blankets  and  coverlets  that  the  good  wives  and 
mothers  of  the  men  had  furnished  them  in  abundance  from 
their  heaped  piles  at  home.  In  the  walls  were  driven  hooks 
on  which  hung  armor  and  harness ;  with  clothes  and  skins 
from  different  animals,  tanned  and  used  for  riding,  or  cover- 
ing out  of  doors.  The  gallery  overhead  held  the  ammunition 
and  the  more  precious  stuff,  watched  by  a  sentinel  separate 
from  the  rest ;  and  the  very  desk  in  which  the  good  man 
had  stood  on  the  Sabbath,  during  many  years,  dispensing  the 
bread  of  life,  was  now  changed  into  a  pantry  where  the 
choice  bits  sent  from  home  were  kept  from  the  rats  and 
mice  that  had  followed  in  their  wake. 

The  two  prisoners  had  the  belfry  allotted  to  them.  The 
orders  were,  that  no  communication  should  be  held  with 
them.  Everything  seemed  to  bear  the  aspect  of  great  cau- 
tion and  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  their  guard.  Night 
closed  hi  upon  them  in  the  most  disconsolate  degree.  Nor 
did  the  solemn  faces  of  the  men,  who  made  up  the  militia, 
help  them  in  conjecturing  what  might  be  their  fate.  There 
were  none  of  the  noises  which  usually  keep  the  sleepers  in  a 
camp  from  enjoying  rest.  A  loud  laugh  would  have  been 
grateful  to  their  ears,  had  it  only  betokened  carelessness  on 
the  part  of  their  guard  ;  but  there  was  just  enough  of  motion 
heard,  to  keep  them  aware  that  all  were  on  the  qui  vive,  and 
would  do  their  duty  to  the  death. 

As  night  went  on,  and  the  silence  grew  more  heavy,  the 
scene  which  they  had  passed  through  during  the  last  twenty- 
four  hours  became  more  confused  to  their  vision,  while  the 
sounds  of  the  insects  that  sang  to  each  other  grew  fainter 
and  fainter,  till  at  last  sleep  sank  upon  their  eyelids  like  a 
precious  balm  distilled  from  a  mother's  hand;  and  the  two 
anxious  men  were,  a  moment  afterward,  as  calm  and  peace- 
ful as  infants  in  their  cradles,  and  would  have  likely  remained 
so  till  the  morning,  had  not  a  voice,  which  they  had  come  to 
know  well  by  this  time,  said,  "  Young  men,  get  up  ;  you  have 
other  business  than  sleep  before  you ;"  and  a  hand  shook  them 
both  by  the  shoulder,  while  a  small  lamp  showed  them  the 


256  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

face  of  the  Dominie,  that  they  had  met  so  often  of  late,  and 
knew  now  so  well  that  they  had  become  to  regard  him  both 
as  their  good  and  their  evil  genius. 

Surprise  was  pictured  on  both  their  faces  ;  but  they  were 
too  well  trained  to  lose  possession  of  themselves  by  a  suddei: 
wakening ;  so  starting  to  their  feet,  they  Availed  further  de 
velopment ;  for  already  they  perceived  that  something  new 
was  on  the  tapis.  There  was  not  a  sleeping  nerve  in  their 
body,  by  the  time  they  stood  upright. 

"  Sit  down  there,"  said  the  good  man,  "  and  give  me  an 
honest  account  of  your  condition ;  and  let  me  have  nothing 
but  the  truth." 

Bertram  saw  that  kindness  and  severity  were  struggling 
in  the  face  of  their  inquisitor,  and  taking  advantage  of  the 
position  he  allowed  himself  to  be  in,  he  began  by  telling 
what  was  true ;  but  what  to  a  more  experienced  courtier 
than  the  Dominie  was,  would  have  sounded  like  flattery. 

"  We  were  told,"  said  Bertram,  "  to  put  ourselves  on  your 
mercy,  should  we  get  into  trouble ;  and  to  tell  you  all,  nnd 
if  you  will  listen  to  me,  I  am  wilting  to  trust  a  man  whom  I 
ana  now  certain  will  not  take  advantage  of  our  condition  by 
turning  the  information  we  give  him  against  us." 

"  Young  man,"  said  the  Dominie,  "  those  who  advised  you 
to  trust  yourself  to  me,  did  me  no  more  than  justice,  for  God 
forbid  that  I  should  hurt  one  innocent  hair  of  your  head : 
nevertheless,  had  I  seen  you  about  this  time  last  night,  near 
to  Sopus,  a  ball  would  have  gone  through  your  pate,  as  sure 
as  there  is  one  in  that  thing  there  at  this  moment ;"  and 
with  that  he  fingered  a  horse  pistol  in  a  very  carnal  manner, 
which  showed  that  his  cloth  was  no  protection  to  himself  at 
certain  tunes  ;  nor  would  he  make  it  an  excuse  for  silence, 
Avhen  either  his  fiery  tongue,  or  his  tongue  of  fire  should 
speak. 

"  There  is  an  armistice  between  us  now,  young  men  ;  so 
speak ;"  and  the  clerical  soldier  put  his  piece  up,  and  Ber- 
tram proceeded  to  give  a  full  and  detailed  account  of  the 
cause  and  the  consequence  of  their  apparently  mad  adven- 
ture. 

"  I  find  that  you  have  spoken  truth,  and  I  am  now,"  said 
the  Dominie,  "  about  to  take  upon  me,  what  must  subject, 
me  to  much  misapprehension  when  it  is  discovered,  and  per- 
haps to  the  getting  of  my  own  skull  cracked,  but  I  must  run 
the  risk,  so  follow  me." 

The    astonished    prisoners   were    about   to   say   a  great 


DAKKNESS,    DEATH,    AND   DELIVERANCE.  257 


deal  aVjut  honor,  and  gratitude,  and  reward,  but  all 
stopped  by  a  motion  to  silence  and  quiet,  as  he  Jed  them 
down  a  way  he  could  thread  himself  in  the  dark;  for,  after 
blowing  out  the  light,  he  took  hold  of  Bertram's  hand  be- 
hind him,  telling  Clarence  to  do  the  same  by  his  companion, 
he  led  them  out  to  the  north  of  the  church,  where  stood  a 
man  holding  a  horse,  who  seemed  to  be  expecting  their 
coming-. 

"  Here  is  your  guide,"  said  the  Dominie,  "  and  he  will  tell 
you  the  rest.  Be  sure  that  you  keep  silent  forever  about 
this  night,  and  whom  you  have  seen,  and  God  Almighty 
bless  you,  and  make  you  successful  in  your  race  after  that 
rapscallion  Kiskataam."  "With  these  words  he  had  vanished, 
and  they  found  themselves  standing  face  to  face  with  their 
old  friend  Wabriel. 

They  almost  forgot  themselves  in  their  surprise  at  the 
meeting,  but  he  being  prepared  for  their  astonishment,  im- 
mediately whispered,  "  let  us  be  off,  out  of  earshot,  lest  we 
hjtve  a  ball  sent  after  us."  Gabriel  mounted  the  horse  and 
told  them  to  keep  one  on  each  side  by  the  stirrup-irons,  as 
he  knew  th«j  way.  On  they  went  in  silence,  increasing  in 
their  speed  as  they  were  advancing  out  of  the  risk  of  the 
sentinels'  hearing  ;  their  hearts  beating  with  joy  both  at 
their  escape,  and  at  the  prospect  which  they  felt  must  now 
be  opening  for  them  in  attaining  the  end  of  their  journey.  It 
was  now  an  hour  before  midnight  ;  and  in  the  morning  they 
hoped  to  be  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  out  of  danger  from 
the  rebel  Whigs. 

It  was  under  the  charge  of  their  former  'guide  that  they 
now  were  moving  along  through  the  darkness.  The  relation 
in  which  he  now  stood  to  them  was  more  of  guardian  than 
of  guide.  The  two  young  Englishmen,  in  that  easy  way  by 
which  those  accustomed  to  command  become  subject  to  su- 
perior law,  or  to  circumstances  beyond  control,  gave  them- 
selves up  at  once  into  the  hands  of  their  servant.  They  per- 
ceived he  had  some  authority,  and  a  deep  interest  in  them, 
but  they  were  anxious  to  know  all  before  they  yielded  up  all. 
On  their  way  he  intimated  his  desire  to  reveal  to  them  the 
exact  state  of  things  in  which  he  stood  toward  them.  He 
was  in  the  employ  of  Lady  Clinton.  He  held  from  her  a 
secret  message  to  the  provincial  governor,  who  had  retired 
with  the  Congress  after  the  sack  of  Sopus  to  Hurley,  which  was 
said  to  be  defended  by  the  Dominie  and  the  old  vrows  of  the 
place.  Thither  Gabriel  hastened  ;  sent  in  the  sign  which  hf 


258  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

knew  would  call  the  governor  out ;   and  his  own  words  will 
but  tell  the  rest. 

"  When  he  saw  me  he  lowered  his  voice  to  a  whisper, 
looking  as  Moses  did,  before  he  killed  the  Egyptian  :  this 
way  and  that  way ;  and  when  he  saw  there  was  no  man,  he 
aid,  '  Are  you  the  man  who  sent  me  in  this  ring  ?'  And  I 
said,  '  Yes,  your  excellency,  a  noble  lady  committed  it  to  my 
care.' 

"  '  And  for  what  purpose,'  said  the  governor,  '  have  you 
brought  it  to  me  ?' 

"  '  A  case  of  distress,  sir,  in  which  your  help  is  demanded,'  I 
said  promptly,  looking  up  in  his  face,  which  by  this  time 
showed  all  kinds  of  feelings. 

"  *  What  distress  can  there  possibly  be  with  them  at  this  mo- 
ment, when  they  have  it  all  in  their  own  way  ?  I  am  sure 
they  burned  arid  harried  the  town,  and  got  off  with  clean 
heels  to  their  ship  without  one  life  being  lost  or  a  prisoner 
left  behind.  The  distress  is  all  on  our  side.' 

"  '  Not  so  sure  of  that,  your  excellency.  Two  prisoners  are 
in  the  hands  of  the  people  of  Vlatt  Bush,  and  their  lives  are 
in  danger  at  this  moment.' 

"'They  must  be  some  persons  of  note  when  Lady  Clin- 
ton interests  herself  so  much  as  to  send  this  token,  which 
was  only  to  be  sent  on  the.  last  extremity.' 

"  '  They  are  none  else,  your  excellency,  than  young  men  of 
the  family.' 

"  '  Good  God !  and  what  can  I  do  in  their  case  ?  How 
could  they  be  so  foolish  as  to  allow  themselves  to  be  taken 
by  our  people,  when  they  had  the  ball  all  in  their  owa 
hands  ?' 

"  I  then  gave  a  full  and  fair  account  of  the  whole  matter, 
beginning  at  the  robbing  of  the  young  lady,  with  your  pur- 
suit after  the  robber,  and  ended  at  the  place  where  you 
were  lying  yesterday.  Never  did  I  see  a  man  thrown  into 
such  distress  of  mind.  '  Come  this  way,'  said  he  ;  and  he 
walked  in  the  greatest  agitation  round  the  house,  till  he  got 
me  into  a  patch  of  wood,  where  he  gave  vent  to  his  feelings 
in  bursts  of  exclamation  that  would  have  sounded  well  in  Ire- 
land. 

" 4  Enthusiastic  little  fool !    She  wrote  me  that  I  might  look 

out  for  her  some  fine  fall  morning  ;  and  how  the can  I 

help  these  young  madcaps  after  what  has  taken  place  ?  Blood 
is  thicker  than  water.  I  wonder  if  the  knight  of  the  garter, 
would  help  plain  George,  were  he  now  in  the  hands  of  his 


THE   PLEASURES   OF   SUSPENSE.  259 

majesty's  bulldogs.  I  rather  think  I  might  no.  be  known  as 
belonging  to  any  other  family  than  Adam's.  Ha !  things 
change  in  this  world.  Let  them  take  their  course.  That 
basket  of  deer-meat  and  turkeys  was  well  enough ;  and  th  e 
basket  filled  with  those  bottles  of  cognac  back  again  were  all 
well ;  but  this  is  a  new  matter.  It  would  be  as  much  as  my 
head  is  worth  were  Washington  to  hear  of  my  interfering. 
No,  young  man,  take  the  ring  back  where  you  got  it.' 

"  Here  he  held  it  out  to  me,  looking  at  it  all  the  time. 
Then,  asking  me,  '  who  knows  of  these  young  men  ?'  With 
that  I  told  the  whole  story,  and  mentioned  the  name  of 
Dominie  Doll.  The  countenance  of  the  governor  brightened 
up  at  this :  a  lucky  thought  was  evidently  finding  its  way 
through  his  mind.  Taking  a  leaf  from  his  note-book,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  write,  all  the  time  swearing  at  the  insolence  of 
these  British  Tories,  who  threw  out  their  requests  upon  us 
colonists,  as  if  we  were  bound  to  listen  and  satisfy  them,  be- 
cause we  belonged  once  to  the  same  national  family. 

"  '  Wait  till  I  put  my  seal  to  this,'  said  he  ;  for  he  evidently 
was  not  inclined  to  trust  me.  'Now,  take  that,  and  see 
that  these  young  fellows  keep  out  of  my  road,  for  I  will  shoot 
them  as  truly  as  my  name  is  Clinton.' 

"  I  took  the  letter  to  the  Dominie,  and  you  are  here. 
What  next,  gentlemen  ?" 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  PLEASURES  OF  SUSPENSE. 

"  Two  if«  scarce  make  one  possibUity. 

DRTDKN." 

OUR  adventurers,  left  out  in  the  darkness  of  midnight, 
were  in  a  more  satisfied  state  than  they  had  been  during  the 
last  twenty-four  hours  ;  yet  it  was  such  a  condition  as  they 
would  not  have  chosen  a  week  before,  had  they  been  offered 
it,  with  a  few  thousand  pounds  to  boot,  so  strangely  does 
the  happiness  of  this  life  increase  or  diminish  through  com- 
parison with  other  things. 

The  question  now,  what  should  be  done?  was  one  not 
easily  solved,  where  there  were  different  means  of  reaching 
the  end  sought  after.  Brandt,  the  faithful  ally  of  the  *m^, 


260  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

was  in  their  immediate  neighborhood,  and  by  his  help  the 
Indian  Kiskataam  might  be  overtaken  and  punished  ;  but, 
as  there  was  unquestionably  an  abler  mind  in  the  plot  of 
abducting  Margaret,  it  would  be  dangerous  to  let  matters  be 
known  in  that  camp  immediately.  Caution  was  necessaiy  to 
obtain  the  ear  of  the  great  Mohawk,  who  certainly  would 
listen  more  favorably  to  an  officer,  bearing  the  commission 
of  his  majesty,  than  to  men  who  had  the  appearance  of 
stragglers.  By  the  time  his  mind  might  be  assured,  the 
dense  forest  would  hide  the  abducted  lady.  Doubts  gathered 
so  thick  upon  the  minds  of  both  Bertram  and  Clarence,  that 
they  voluntarily  gave  themselves  into  the  hands  of  Gabriel  as 
captain. 

"  If  you  promote  me  to  that  place,  then,"  said  that  worthy, 
"  I  command  you,  Mr.  Clarence,  to  be  off  to  Kaatskill,  taking 
this  letter  with  you,  to  secure  the  assistance  of  the  Dominie 
of  that  place.  If  the  mountains  must  be  scoured,  help  is 
necessary,  so  that  the  retreat  to  the  west  side  may  be  cut  off. 
You  see  that  fire  burning  on  the  face  of  the  hill ;  there  lies 
Brandt  and  his  men.  Let  Kiskataam  be  prevented  from 
escaping,  and  we  can  boldly  go  to  the  Mohawk  and  demand 
his  aid  in  behalf  of  the  king.  We  must  trust  to  the  current 
of  events,  and  as  good  Dominie  Doll  said,  *  leave  the  rest  to 
Providence.* " 

"  True,"  said  Bertram,  "  for  I  am  more  adrift  here  than  I 
would  be  in  an  open  boat  at  sea.  My  sailorship  is  all  useless 
on  these  mountain  waves.  Some  wisdom  higher  than  my 
own  is  needed,  and  a  power  above  king  George  must  control 
this  rash  adventure.  Breakers  are  all  ahead,  and  we  on  au 
enemy's  coast." 

"A  stout  heart  will  climb  the  steepest  hill,"  said  Clarence. 
"  Give  the  most  difficult  part  to  me  ;  I  am  ready  for  it.  I  go 
with  a  better  conscience  than  I  did  to  that  dastardly  burn- 
ing, where  we  did  not  deserve  to  succeed.  The  people 
are  better  than  their  betters.  What  are  our  captain's 
orders?" 

"Mount  you  this  nag,"  was  the  word  given.  "He  will 
carry  you  at  least  seven  miles  an  hour.  He  belongs  to  old 
Cornelius  Wynkoop,  as  stiff  a  Whig  as  ever  smoked  a  pipe. 
He  loves  his  horses  next  to  his  wife  ;  she  says  he  thinks  more 
of  them  than  he  does  of  her  or  the  kinderen.  If  he  supposed 
at  this  hour  that  a  king's  man  was  putting  his  leg  across  his 
back,  he  would  rise  out  of  his  bed,  dearly  as  he  loves  it ;  and 
I  believe  out  of  his  grave,  if  he  were  in  it,  with  a  thick  stoue 


THE   PLEASURES   OF   SUSPENSE.  261 

slab  over  it ;  I  am  not  sure  but  he  may,  through  some  spook, 
be  able  to  tell  this  now,  as  well  as  he  can  tell  where  to  find 
water  with  a  forked  stick.  So  look  out,  sir.  You  will  rido 
along  full  twelve  miles,  till  you  come  to  another  stone  church, 
not  unlike  the  one  you  have  just  been  in  against  your  will. 
Ask  for  the  Dominie's  house,  and  give  him  that  missive. 
Whatever  he  asks,  tell  him  freely,  and  follow  his  advice." 

By  the  end  of  these  counsels,  the  young  soldier  was  on 
Charlie's  back,  a  stout,  bottle-bellied  animal,  with  a  small 
head  and  a  long  tail,  that  he  whisked  around  through  habit, 
night  and  day,  as  a  warning  to  the  flies. 

Gabriel,  holding  the  impatient  horse  by  the  bit,  gave 
Clarence  his  last  advice,  by  saying,  "You  must  not  linger 
on  the  road  till  sunrise.  This  is  the  king's  road  to  Albany 
that  you  are  now  travelling ;  keep  on  it  till  you  come  to  the 
kerke  ;  stand  at  the  door  looking  east ;  you  will  see  among 
fruit-trees,  on  a  knoll,  a  stone  house,  covered  with  Holland 
tiles ;  turn  to  that,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  find  the  man  you 
seek — a  strong-built  man  with  a  keen  eye.  Bid  him  a  good 
morning;  then,  as  he  answers,  tuni  to  the  mountain,  and  ask 
if  the  old  vrovv's  nightcap  be  on  yet.  He  will  bid  you  mind 
your  own  business  till  the  old  vrow  has  had  her  morning 
meal,  and  said  her  morning  prayers.  Follow  him  in-doors  ; 
put  the  letter  in  his  hand  on  the  way ;  sit  down  to  the  table, 
as  if  you  were  one  of  the  family;  wait  patiently  till  his 
family  have  worshipped  with  him.  He  will  let  his  own 
pleasure  be  known  sooner  than  if  you  press  him." 

"  Well,  that  is  plain  speaking ;  I  think  I  can  remember 
that.  Let  me  see — the  king's  road — right  on — sunrise  !  Oh, 
yes,  I  know  it  all,"  said  the  rider. 

"  One  word  more,  as  the  Dominie  says,  and  to  conclude. 
Meet  us  at  noon  the  day  after  to-morrow  at  Kauterskill 
Falls — mind  the  name,  Kauterskill  Falls — and  there  is  a 
whistle  that  will  answer  this  one  that  we  have." 

Here  both  put  their  bone  whistles  to  their  mouths,  and 
made  the  midnight  air  send  out  on  all  sides  such  a  shrill 
sound,  that  the  dogs  all  around  gave  out  loud  barks;  and 
wild  growh'ngs  were  heard,  not  far  off,  above  their  heads. 

"  We  must  be  softer  than  we  are  now,"  said  Gabriel. 
"  Go." 

And  away  the  horseman  went  at  a  good  round  gallop ;  a 
secret  of  Charlie's  haste  being,  that  he  thought  he  was  going 
home  to  his  crib,  and  became  all  the  more  eager  the  furthes 
he  went  "At  this  rate,"  said  Clarence,  "I  will  be  at  the  end 


262  THE  DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

of  my  journey  long  before  sunrise.  But  in  times  like  these, 
who  can  foretell  the  adventures  of  a  singlu  night,  within  a 
short  journey  of  twelve  miles,  even  on  the  king's  road  ?" 

But  our  story,  to  be  clear,  must  just  now  follow  the  course 
of  the  two  who  were  left  behind.  They  having  a  shorter 
distance  to  travel,  and  a  more  difficult  path  to  tread,  moved 
slowly  along. 

"It  is  but  a  short  hour  past  midnight,"  said  Gabriel,  "and 
our  part  in  this  business  is  to  search  all  tracks.  For  that, 
we  require  daylight.  What  say  you  to  a  couple  of  hours' 
sleep,  and  then  we  shall  have  time  enough?" 

"  You  may  require  it  indeed,  my  friend,  was  Bertram's 
answer  in  words,  though  his  impatient  heart  said  go  on. 
"  We  have  had  plenty  of  time  to  sleep,  or  eat,  or  chew  the 
bitter  root  of  disappointment,  in  yon  garret  all  day." 

"  Well,  if  you  are  agreed,"  was  the  reply  of  the  guide, 
"  we  shall  turn  into  Cornelius  Wynkoop's  barn.  To  tell  the 
plain  truth,  I  am  cowardly  as  well  as  sleepy.  There  is  an 
enemy  in  these  parts  not  easily  guarded  against.  Hunter  as 
I  am,  the  painter  and  the  wildcat,  in  the  dark,  are  dangerous 
critters,  as  the  Yankees  say." 

"  Is  there  much  of  that  kind  of  game  up  in  these  regions  ?" 
asked  the  young  Englishman,  who  had  seen  some  hunting  in 
his  day,  in  his  own  country,  and  also  in  the  East  Indies. 
*'  It  would  be  good  sport,  to  have  a  chase  after  these  western 
tigers.  The  panther  of  this  continent  I  have  been  told  is  a 
powerful  animal.  What  of  these  wildcats  ?" 

"  Oh,  there  are  swarms  of  them  all  through  these  hills. 
These  mountains  have  their  name  from  them ;  so  many  and 
so  large  are  they,  that  a-single  man  finds  himself  in  danger  of 
his  life  in  attacking  one  of  them." 

"  Ha  !  a  man  killed  by  a  cat  would  make  a  great  story  for 
a  picture-book  in  Christmas  time.  Since  you  are  so  skilled 
in  names,  why  do  they  call  that  church  we  were  at  the  Cats- 
baan." 

"  That  means  the  cats'  race-ground,"  said  Gabriel,  laughing 
at  his  own  conceit.  "  These  people  are  half  French,  and  hav« 
many  of  their  words.  In  the  holidays  the  big  boys  and  girls 
for  ten  miles  round  here  meet,  and  have  a  regular  hunt. 
After  scaring  out  fifty  or  a  hundred  of  the  screamers,  they 
set  the  dogs  after  them  on  this  flat.  And  let  me  tell  you  it 
ia  a  scratching  time  when  one  of  these  creatures  happei  s  to 
fasten  on  a  dumpy  fat  Dutch  girl,  and  the  boys  come  n  und 
for  her  rescue." 


THE    PLEASURES   OF    SUSPENSE.  203 

"That  must  be  fun  in  a  small  way  ;  but  these  painters  as 
you  call  them,  must  be  the  very  thing  to  rouse  the  blood  in 
a  man's  heart." 

"  You  may  meet  him  soon  enough,  sir,"  was  Gabriel's 
answer,  "  for  unless  my  ears  deceive  me  there  must  be  some 
wiid  creature  up  there  now,  in  South  Peak  ;  I  hope  it  is  far 
off,  but  in  the  dark  one  cannot  tell,  and  my  counsel  is  that  we 
go  at  once  into  this  fortress  until  the  enemy  be  off,  or  we  be 
in  a  fitter  condition  to  meet  him." 

For  some  time  past  they  had  been  turning  more  to  the 
westward,  and  nearer  to  the  mountain,  as  the  dark  shadow 
against  the  sky  showed.  A  large  building  which  looked  still 
larger  in  the  night  time,  rose  plainly  before  the  eye  of  Ber- 
tram, who  was  at  this  time  seized  by  the  hand,  and  led 
through  the  door,  which  yielded  to  the  touch  of  his  compan- 
ion, as  if  he  were  the  owner  himself.  Gabriel  led  his  fellow- 
traveller  to  a  ladder,  whispering  in  his  ear,  "  follow  me  to 
the  yards ;"  a  hint  which  the  young  sailor  took  at  once,  and 
mounting,  he  found  a  softer  hammock  than  any  in  the 
British  navy.  Gabriel  was  asleep  in  a  few  minutes,  but  the 
feelings  of  his  companion  were  too  excited  to  enter  easily 
into  the  land  of  dreams  ;  so  he  lay  and  mused,  watching  the 
sounds  which  came  from  nature,  even  in  these  loneiy  wild 
regions. 

At  length  the  old  rooster  of  that  true  Holland  breed, 
heavy  behind  arid  double  combed  before,  gave  out  his  first 
trumpet  sound,  becoming  louder  as  Gabriel  snored  respon- 
sively,  and  deeper  at  every  crow.  Bertram  became  a'l  the 
time  more  impatient  to  be  away,  where  the  dangerous  Whigs 
would  not  venture  near  them.  So  giving  the  sleeper  a  dig 
,with  his  eibow,  he  succeeded  in  making  him  conscious  of 
where  he  was,  and  of  what  was  required  of  him.  A  few 
whispers  earnestly  blown  into  his  ear,  Avere  enough  to  a  man 
accustomed  to  lie  down  in  the  midst  of  dangers.  So  keeping 
quiet  a  few  moments,  just  to  recover  his  full  balance,  he  started 
up,  saying,  "  liemain  here  till  I  make  a  visit  to  Dame  Wyn- 
koop's  cellar,  where  I  am  sure  of  getting  something  good  to 
eat.*'  And  before  his  companion  had  time  to  remonstrate  with 
him,  he  was  off,  and  already  do\vn  the  ladder  on  his  way. 
Bertram,  followed  so  as  to  watch  against  surprise.  There 
was  no  ground  for  fear.  Old  Cornelius  was  in  his  sounder 
sleep  yet  ;  and  even  had  he  been  awakened  he  would  not 
have  suspected  an  evil  intruder,  but  would  have  supposed 
it  to  be  one  of  his  dozen  blacks  moving  along  the  floor. 


264:  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

Besides,  Gabriel  was  as  familiar  with  all  as  if  he  were  going 
over  his  mother's  kitchen.  All  Dutch  cellars  are  the  same  in 
size  and  the  same  in  arrangement.  Butter  pots  and  firkins  on 
the  floor.  A  cider  barrel  in  the  corner,  and  a  vinegar  jug  on  a 
shelf.  He  moved  about  among  them  mcwe  easily  than  the 
mistress  of  the  house  could :  she  being  like  a  skipper  navi- 
gating a  scow  in  the  Amsterdam  canal  without  a  pilot.  The 
pies,  the  cold  meat,  and  the  bread  all  stood  in  a  pantry  on 
the  left  hand ;  it  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment  for  the 
pirate  to  clear  the  whole  away.  He  knew  that  the  old  wench 
who  ruled  the  lower  regions  would  lay  it  all  to  that  cussed 
Ebo  who  came  home  hungry  after  one  of  his  night  rackets. 
However,  the  cautious  Gabriel  walked  as  if  on  oggs,  reaching 
the  barn  with  his  forage,  and  well  pleased  with  his  success. 

"  There  is  some  of  the  staff  of  life,"  he  said  to  his  friend. 
"  You  will  need  it  before  we  get  to  the  top  of  these  hills,  where 
there  aro  no  loaves  growing  on  hemblock  branches,  nor  roast- 
ing pigs  on  bare  rocks.  I  only  wish  that  we  had  some  of 
old  Kaarney's  Holland  gin  now.  He  used  to  keep  a  snug 
grey  beard  in  the  corner  of  that  cupboard.  Confound  me 
that  I  should  have  forgotten  the  value  of  drinking,  as  I 
thought  on  the  duty  of  eating.  It  makes  the  staif  limber  aa 
well  ns  stronger  on  the  hills." 

"  You  are  a  daring  fellow  to  venture  where  a  hungry  wolf 
would  not."  This  was  said  by  Bertram  under  his  breath, 
and  between  the  good  bites  he  was  giving  to  the  stolen  pro- 
vender which  he  saw  but  partially  in  the  star-light.  All  cats 
are  grey  in  the  dark,  so  all  bread  is  white  to  a  hungry  man. 
Our  two  travellers,  hearty  in  the  stomach  always,  could  have 
done  justice  then  to  the  haunch  of  a  bear. 

"  What  is  that  I  hear  gurgling  down  your  throat  ?"  said 
Bertram,  laughing  inwardly;  "have  you  hold  of  the  old 
farmer's  grey-beard  after  all  ?" 

"  Try  it  yourself,"  was  the  answer,  and  a  square  Dottle 
about  a  gallon's  size  was  held  to  the  mouth  of  the  thirsty 
inquirer,  who  tasted,  and  then  swallowed  with  right  good 
will.  He  found  it  strong  cider  brandy  mixed  with  juniper 
berries ;  a  most  agreeable,  but  a  heady  drink. 

"  Hush  !"  said  Gabriel,  and  he  put  his  head  over  the  loic, 
for  they  had  both  mounted  again  to  their  former  place  of 
rest.  "  Some  one  is  coming  in  at  the  big  gate.  I  hear 
the  old  wooden  hinges  squeak."  The  two  gourmands  rose 
to  their  feet  to  be  ready  for  any  emergency  ;  when  the  stable 
door  was  opened  with  great  caution  ;  and  some  one,  leading 


THE  PLEASURES  OF  SUSPENSE.  265 

one  horse,  entered,  and  a  second  horse  followed.  The  negro, 
for  his  voice  betrayed  his  origin,  began  to  talk  to  them  just 
as  he  would  to  his  fellows  in  the  field  : 

"Ole  Black,  you'd  stop  de  snuffin;  te  be 'bout  Ebo's 
business ;  see  dat  no  stories  be  told  but  de  big  trut." 

Then  coming  into  the  other  stall  he  commenced  in  the 
same  way. 

u  Brown,  poor  Brown,  been  on  de  king's  business,  s'pose ; 
vere's  de  fellow  dat  own  dis  saddle  ?  vee  will  see  in  de 
mornin'  sun-light.  He  be  gentleman  dat  spok  dere  to  us  at 
Phrebe.  Me  know  an  English  offisher  by  his  neck,  might 
hab  left  a  yallow  Joegey  ven  he  vent  off  to  de  Squire  Bur- 
hause  himself." 

At  these  sounds  Gabriel  pricked  up  his  ears.  "  Something 
has  befallen  him,  I  fear,"  he  whispered  in  his  companion's 
ear.  "  The  horse  he  rode  has  returned  with  his  mate." 

"  Who  do  you  mean  ?"  said  Bertram,  suspecting  himself 
that  trouble  had  come  to  his  friend. 

"  Why,  the  lieutenant,  to  be  sure,  Mr.  Clarence — some  diffi- 
culty. Hear  him  speak  of  the  Squire  Burhause.  I  have  a 
mind  to  make  the  splay-footed  vagabond  tell.  We  may  be 
able  to  remedy  the  evil." 

Bertram  saw  the  folly  of  this,  and  put  his  hand  on  the 
other's  mouth  as  a  warning,  while  Gabriel,  feeling  the  influ- 
ence of  the  cider-brandy,  and  knowing  the  superstition  of 
the  negro  race,  out  of  pure  mischief,  gave  a  squeak  through 
the  fingers  held  on  his  mouth,  which  made  the  hostler  call 
out,  "  Oh,  Lorra,  have  marcy  on  poor  nigger,"  and  without 
stopping  a  moment,  he  ran  out  slamming  the  doors  after  him, 
and  rousing  up  all^the  dogs  in  the  house. 

"  We  are  long  enough  here,"  said  the  mischievous  fellow 
as  soon  as  he  got  over  his  fit  of  laughter  ;  "  let  us  move  be- 
fore we  get  a  few  drops  of  old  Kaarney's  gun.  There  he  is 
lighting  a  caudle  now  with  a  coal  at  his  mouth  ;"  and  gather- 
ing up  the  fragments  of  their  breakfast  for  future  use,  they 
left  their  hiding-place  with  good  heart  and  on  nimble  feet. 

Before  the  heavy  half-door  of  Cornelius  Wynkoop  was 
opened  to  let  him  and  his  dog  Gates  out  into  the  yard,  the 
two  adventurers  were  well  away  on  the  road  that  leads  to 
the  Clove.  Having  no  cause  to  fear  immediate  danger,  they 
moved  on  at  a  moderate  rate,  discussing,  as  they  went,  the 
events  of  the  last  twenty-four  hours. 

Gabriel  had  an  uncommon  flow  of  spirits  for  him.  He  had 
been  taciturn,  and  dark  in  his  speech  and  in  his  looks,  lie 

12 


266  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

had  got  a  good  draught  of  the  inspiriting  liquor;  but  that  was 
not  the  cause.  He  had  paid  a  visit  to  his  mother,  and  now 
he  was  beyond  the  reach  of  bodily  danger,  which  he  had 
been  in  ever  since  he  came  up  with  the  marauding  party. 
To  wile  away  the  time,  as  well  as  to  gratify  his  curiosity, 
Bertram  led  his  guide  to  the  discussion  of  his  own  affairs. 

"I  have  no  objections  to  the  telling  of  it  all,"  said  the 
countryman,  u  though  it  is  a  longer  story  than  a  stranger 
would  care  to  listen  to,  except  for  amusement.  You  see,  1 
left  old  Sopus  and  my  mother's  house  in  a  fit  of  ill-natiuv. 
I  cared  no  more  for  King  George  than  I  did  for  old  Mat 
Van  Guisen  ;  but  I  had  taken  a  heart's  hatred  to  some  that 
called  themselves  Whigs,  and  particularly  to  one  purse-proud 
old  Jew,  who  had  a  lovely  daughter,  who  loved  me,  but 
durst  not  move  in  the  shadow  of  my  shape.  To  gut  me 
out  of  the  way  he  made  up  his  mind  that  I  should  go  off 
with  Arnold  to  Canada.  I  took  the  opposite  road,  and  have 
been  in  all  the  places  south  of  this,  where  fighting  was  to 
be  done;  for  I  found  there  was  more  quiet  for  me  in  war 
than  in  peace.  I  jumped  at  the  chance  of  coming  on  this 
expedition.  My  love  of  adventure,  my  love  of  revenge,  my 
love  of  Nelly  Labagh,  and  I  may  say  it  truly,  the  love  of 
my  mother,  all  urged  me  on  board  the  Vulture.  Standing 
as  sentinel  on  deck,  I  soon  discovered  the  aim  of  Kiskataam. 
I  had  long  known  the  fellow  to  be  a  villain,  and  determined 
first  to  watch,  and  then  unfold  his  designs.  We  had  met 
before  the  war  broke  out,  in  Stony  Clove,  where  lie  at- 
tempted to  steal  my  good  gun  Meg,  when  I  chased  him  and 
struck  him  down.  So  you  see  there  was  ill  blood  between 
us  ;  our  glances  of  defiance  said — another  time.  When  he  slid 
overbear  1,  carrying  Miss  Clinton  with  him,  I  was  not  there  ; 
but  of  all  on  the  ship  I  was  the  man  to  have  headed  a  party 
of  pursuit ;  but  you  know  it  is  not  for  us  to  offer  advice  to 
our  betters.  But  I  did  what  I  could  afterward  in  an  inter- 
view with  Lady  Clinton.  I  offered  my  services  and  they 
were  accepted  on  condition  that  I  should  wait  on  your 
pleasure  after  the  Sopus  business  was  through.  There  lies 
the  secret  of  my  knowledge  of  your  intention,  and  of  my 
present  interest  in  you.  I  own  that  I  hate  an  Indian,  and 
that  I  will  travel  any  time  a  thousand  miles  for  the  mere 
pleasure  of  shooting  one.  Dirty  abominable  wretches!  how 
any  young  lady  can  sit  and  hear  their  soft  cunning  tongues 
close  to  her  ear,  I  cannot  understand.  And  blood-thirsty 
devils !  how  gentlemen,  like  you,  can  fight  with  them,  or 


THE   PLEASURES    OF   SUSPENSE.  267 

employ  them  to  fight  for  you,  is  amazing.  I  am  ashamed  of 
having  ever  drawn  a  trigger  under  King  George  when  I 
think  that  Kiskataam,  and  his  like,  have  fingered  the  same 
bounty." 

"  Have  you  seen  your  mother  ?"  said  Bertram,  anxious  to 
turn  the  mind  of  the  excited  colonist  away  from  a  theme 
which  burned  on  his  own  tongue.  The  effect  of  the  question 
was  all  that  was  expected,  and  more,  for  the  Englishman  was 
almost  sorry  he  had  encroached  into  that  sanctum  of  Gabriel's 
bosom. 

"  Seen  my  mother !  Yes,  but  I  all  but  wish  I  had  not 
ventured  over  that  holy  threshold.  Blessed  woman,  how  she 
gazed  on  me,  drinking  in  my  soul  through  her  old  dim  eyes, 
that  lighted  up  with  the  same  love  she  had  always  felt  for 
me ;  prodigal  as  I  have  been.  I  had  resolved  to  stand  it 
through,  but  how  soon  all  broke  down,  when  she  said,  'My 
own  Gaby !'  Well,  I  feel  better  that  I  went.  Before,  I  could 
have  killed  an  army,  now  I  would  not  hurt  a  fly." 

"  Always  excepting  an  Indian,"  said  Bertram,  slily. 
"Where  did  you  meet  her?  Was  it  at  home,  in  her  own 
house  ?" 

'•  You  must  remember,  after  I  left  you  at  the  stile  we  were 
standing  at,  that  I  walked  softly  on  to  the  cottage  window, 
where  I  stood  listening  for  a  few  minutes,  when  I  heard  the 
well-known  voice,  low  and  soothing,  as  if  she  was  comforting 
some  one.  She  spoke  as  if  it  were  to  a  child.  But  that  is 
her  way  to  all  sick  people  ;  so  I  did  not  expect  to  see  a  child ; 
and  yet  I  was  startled  when  I  saw  a  man's  head  rise  up  from 
the  pillow  and  scream.  I  could  stand  at  the  door  no  longer  ; 
so  rushing  in,  I  flung  myself  into  her  arms.  She  kissed  me 
quietly ;  but  pointing  to  the  bed,  said,  in  a  whisper,  "  Petrus 
is  sick."  That  was  my  brother,  and  as  I  feared,  he  had  been 
out  in  the  attack,  and  was  hurt  in  defending  the  hearthstone. 
A  cruel  fellow  of  ours  had  struck  him  on  the  head  with  the 
butt  end  of  his  gun,  and  now  he  was  delirious.  He  recognized 
me,  and  gave  a  wild  shriek  that  froze  the  marrow  within  me. 
Springing  on  the  floor,  he  seized  me  by  the  stock  on  my  neck, 
twisting  it  till  I  became  like  a  child  in  his  hand.  I  could  not 
hnve  resisted  him,  had  he  tried  to  kill  me.  My  mother's 
voice,  however,  served  to  make  him  release  his  grasp,  as  she 
came  between  him  and  me. 

"  *  Is  it  here,'  the  maniac  cried,  or  rather  yelled,  '  that  the 
cursed  Tory  would  dare  to  show  his  face  ;  and  in  the  colors 
of  the  king  ?  Ha !  ha !  ha  !  Come  to  burn  the  house,  and 


268  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

his  own  movher  in  it  ?  Look,  see  here  where  your  bayonet 
is  sticking  yet ;'  and  he  tore  away  the  bandages  from  his  head, 
bloody  as  they  were,  and  flung  them  at  me,  they  falling  on 
my  face,  so  that  the  marks  of  blood  were  left  all  over  me. 

"  Then  exclaiming,  as  he  looked  at  me,  '  You  bloody-faced 
traitor,  you  come  home  in  your  true  colors.  Take  the  bay- 
onet out  of  the  hole  he  put  it  in.  Take  it  out,  I  tell  you,  till 
I  put  it  into  him.' 

"  At  length,  through  loss  ol  biood  and  fatigue,  he  became 
weak  and  quieted  down,  so  that  he  fainted.  This  gave  me 
some  relief,  when  the  good  Dominie  came  in,  to  my  great 
shame  and  mortification.  He  has  always  had  a  power  over 
me  more  than  any  other  man  :  not  even  the  General  himself 
could  command  me  as  that  man  of  peace  can  at  this  hour, 
when  I  come  near  him.  His  surprise  gave  way,  at  seeing 
me,  to  great  indignation,  and  even  reproaches  at  first,  which 
cut  me  to  the  heart.  Then  lie  would  mellow  down  to  a  kind- 
ness, which  was  worse  to  bear;  so  that  I  stood  really  between 
two  fires,  and  durst  not  resent  either  side. 

"  '  O  ye  vile  boy  !  Ye  Absalom,  rebelling  against  parent 
and  country.  O  Gaby !  Gaby !  I  am  sure  you  did  not  find  any 
ground  for  your  sinful  conduct  in  the  good  Heidelburg 
that  I  taught  you.  Sit  down  there,  like  a  good  lad,  and 
see  if  you  can  say  it — What  is  thy  only  comfort  in  life  and 
death  ?» 

"  Just  as  I  was  beginning  to  reply,  ray  brother  gave  a 
shriek  that  made  us  all  start  to  our  feet.  '  Send  him  to  the 
gallows,  I'll  be  hangman.'  " 

"  '  Hear  you  that,  Gaby  ?'  said  the  Dominie,  when  the  rav- 
ing man  had  quieted  down  again.  '  That's  a  voice  calling 
upon  God  for  judgment  on  your  head ;  your  brother  has 
spoken  his  last  words,  and  you  hear  them  yet  ringing  in  your 
ears.' 

"  It  was  true ;  Petrus  had  sunk  into  the  arms  of  death, 
and  I  stood  there,  as  I  thought,  his  murderer.  I  felt  it  that 
it  must  be  so,  while  the  Dominic  continued  to  ponr  out  male- 
dictions upon  my  poor  head,  till  I  sank  on  the  floor. 

"'O  "Dominie!  Dominie!  have  pity — have  mercy  on  my 
poor  misguided  boy,'  was  the  cry  of  my  mother.  '  My 
kind-hearted  Petrus,  my  first-born,  the  image  of  his  father 
gore,  and  none  left  to  me  now,  but  this  my  poor  wanderer  ;' 
and  he'-e  she  fell  into  my  arms,  and  cried  only  as  a  mother 
can. 

"   Gaby,'  said  the  Dominie,  after  a  few  moment's  pause, 


THE   PLEASURES   OF    SUSPENSE. 

'you  are  too  long  here,  unless  you  be  seeking  the  gallows. 
As  sure  as  there  is  a  rope  in  Mark  Snyder's  barn,  if  he 
catches  you  within  the  town  of  Sopus,  you  will  have  to  swing 
for  it.  Up,  and  be  off  with  you.' 

"  After  that  I  met  him,  and  told  him  all  about  you,  and 
succeeded  in  interesting  him  in  your  afiairs.  So  that  you  are 
here,  and  your  friend  away  yonder." 

"  Well,"  said  Bertram,  "  he  must  have  drank  deep  into  the 
spirit  of  his  religion,  when  he  can  so  help  the  outcast,  and  for- 
give such  injuries  as  we  put  on  his  people.  God  grant  that 
the  time  may  yet  arrive,  when  I  may  do  something  that 
will  show  I  am  still  a  man  and  a  gentleman." 

In  this  way  the  two  went  on  slowly,  till  they  reached  to 
the  head  of  a  narrow  valley,  up  which  the  road  ran,  when  they 
came  suddenly  upon  Hoogenhuisen,  still  smoking  and  in  nuns. 

"  What !"  exclaimed  they,  both  at  once,  "  more  misery  from 
war." 

"  O,  God !"  said  Bertram,  "  this  solitary  case  makes  us 
feel  more  than  if  we  walked  through  a  sacked  city.  Domes- 
tic happiness  in  a  single  family  we  can  understand,  and  feel  a 
sympathy  with.  How  many  happy  hours  have  been  spent 
around  that  hearthstone !" 

"  Yes,"  said  Gabriel,  who  was  transported  in  grief. 
"  Happy  hours  indeed  have  been  spent  around  the  fireside  of 
Martin  Schuyler.  I  would  not  have  believed,  had  I  not  seen 
it,  that  any  one  could  be  so  cruel  as  to  level  this  home  to  tho 
ground.  Black  ruins  !  There  is  the  kettle  that  old  Anshela 
kept  as  bright  as  a  button,  half  melted.  The  cellar  always 
so  well  filled,  now  a  chaos  with  charred  barrels  and  broken 
pottery,  and  " 

Gabriel's  heart  filled  full  at  the  sight ;  and  mounting  up 
on  the  rock  opposite,  he  sat  down  on  a  shelf  to  indulge  his 
grief,  mingled  as  that  was  with  burning  tears  of  remorse — 
let  us  hope  of  repentance,  in  some  degree.  So  long  did  lie 
seem  inclined  to  sit,  that  Bertram  found  it  necessary  to  re- 
mind him  that  the  day  was  advancing,  and  he  knew  best  how 
fiir  they  had  to  go,  and  what  must  be  done. 

Gabriel  said,  "  It  is  time  we  were  gone ;  but  these  ruins 
tell  us  that  Brandt  and  his  crew,  and  I  am  ashamed  to  say 
our  friends,  are  not  far  off,  and  are  likely  lurking  about  here. 
Both  parties  may  now  be  within  cry.  Let  us  then,"  said  the 
guide,  "  prepare  ourselves  for  friend  or  foe." 

With  that  they  both  proceeded  up  the  Clove  road,  Gabriel 
intending  to  cross  at  a  point  opposite  to  the  falls  of  the 


270  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE, 

Kautarskill  and  there  to  lie  in  ambush  till  the  appointed 
time  for  action  came.  Somehow,  both  the  young  men  had  a 
kind  of  presentiment,  that  the  centre  of  attraction  was  there. 
No  doubt  it  arose  from  two  ideas  floating  in  their  minds, 
Margaret's  well-known  romantic  spirit,  and  next  the  dis- 
position of  the  Indian  to  seek  some  prominent  scene  in. 
nature,  as  a  mark  for  himself.  To  that  celebrated  place  they 
now  eagerly  bent  their  steps.  Here  an  occurrence  took 
place  which  interrupted  their  progress,  and  but  for  their 
courage  and  experience  would  have  put  a  stop  to  their  ex 
pedition  forever. 


CHAPTER  VH. 

A   PANTHER    OE    A   CATAMOUNT. 

"  The  brave, 
None  but  the  brave  deserve  the  fair." 

DRY.PEX. 

GABRIEL,  sunk  in  reverie  over  the  ruins  of  Hoogenhuisen, 
left  the  responsibility  of  the  sentry-box  to  his  companion, 
whose  senses  were  growing  keener  every  moment  to  the 
sounds,  and  new  objects  rising  around  him.  He  was  sure  that 
some  wild  animal  must  be  in  the  neighborhood;  but  not 
caring  to  disturb  his  guide,  he  merely  felt  more  awake,  and 
continued  more  watchful.  The  sounds  were  becoming  louder 
and  louder,  till  at  last  one  fearful  roar  roused  up  Gabriel, 
who  exclaimed  as  he  started  to  his  feet :  "  A  catamount ! 
run  for  that  rock."  And  they  both  sprang  to  one  that  was 
near,  and  balanced  on  the  hill  side  so  nicely,  that  two  men  in 
era-nest,  with  a  stout  oaken  lever  could  have  turned  it  over,  and 
seut  it  rolk'ng  down  the  gorge  into  the  stream.  Here  they 
both  ran,  and  on  the  lower  side  intrenched  themselves, 
waiting  for  their  enemy,  who  being  above  them  on  the  side 
hill,  came  down  upon  them  with  tremendous  fury.  Their 
case  seemed  desperate,  since  all  the  advantage  of  superior 
position  was  on  the  side  of  the  animal.  Retreat  was  now 
impossible,  and  their  fortress  Avas  insufficient  should  he 
choose  to  besiege  them  by  merely  keeping  watch.  But  they 
were  not  men  to  yield  without  a  struggle.  Bertram  had 
seen  the  real  tiger  slain,  when  there  was  a  host  against  him* 


A   PANTHER   OB   A   CATAMOUNT.  271 

Gabriel  was  a  hunter  from  his  youth,  but  this  was  the  first  time 
he  had  met  the  catamount,  along  with  a  single  companion. 

On  the  creature  came,  leaping  from  height  to  height,  and 
evidently  bent  upon  taking  his  next  spring  to  the  top  of  their 
defence,  which  bent  over  them  slightly,  and  was  only  about 
five  feet  high  on  the  upper  side. 

"  "We  must  fire  together,"  said  Bertram,  naturally  taking 
the  command,  "if  we  would  make  sure,  and  then  spring 
up  on  the  rock  just  as  he  leaps  from  it." 

Gabriel,  who  had  now  forgotten  all  his  grief,  and  thrown 
aside  all  his  Dutch  sluggishness,  replied:  "Then,  captain, 
give  him  your  shot  in  his  burning  eyes,  while  I  aim  for  his 
heart." 

"  Have  your  knife  ready,"  was  the  quick  answer  of  Ber- 
tram. 

"  Tighten  your  belt,  captain,"  said  Gabe,  as  he  drew  up 
his  own  buckle  one  hole  more,  pulling  his  rough  cap  tight 
over  his  ears,  and  looking  where  he  might  take  hold  of  the 
stones,  in  case  he  must  spring  to  the  top  of  the  rock.  The 
sailor  was  not  behind  in  his  preparations,  and  stood  ready. 

In  the  meantime  the  animal  watched  his  foes,  lashing  his 
tail  from  side  to  side.  When,  crouching,  he  gave  his 
threatened  spring,  landing  fairly  on  the  rock,  where  he 
received  the  contents  of  two  pistols,  which  only  made  him 
more  furious  with  pain.  He  gave  a  roar  that  was  heard  as 
high  as  the  Dog's  Pool,  where  Angelica  sat  smoking  her  pipe, 
till  she  rose  in  her  terror  and  mewed  the  wildcat's  mew  that 
alarmed  Elsie. 

The  two  skillful  men  had  retreated  to  each  end  of  the 
rock,  so  that  their  enemy's  attention  was  divided  and 
puzzled.  Falling  down  gracefully  on  his  haunches,  lio 
seemed  to  plan  carefully  his  next  attack,  and  Bertram  must 
be  the  object  of  it,  for  the  faces  of  man  and  beast  were 
within  four  feet  of  each  other.  The  man's  eyes  penetrating 
so  deeply  into  the  animal's  that  they  blinked  under  the  power 
of  intellect. 

"  Keep  close  to  the  rock,  and  more  to  your  right,"  was 
the  cry  of  the  other  man  ;  "  he  will  leap  soon ;  let  it  be  as 
far  down  as  possible."  And  the  warning  was  scarcely  given 
and  taken,  when,  with  another  roar,  the  spring  sent  the  cata- 
mount down  so  far  that  by  the  time  he  recovered  himself, 
the  two  men  were  on  the  upper  side  of  the  defence,  waiting 
for  their  foe.  The  advantage  was  now  all  on  their  side,  and 
the  discomfited  creature,  as  if  ashamed,  turned  his  head 


272  THE   DUTCH    DOMFNTB. 

away  a  moment,  half  inclined  to  retreat.  It  was  then  that 
the  bark  of  Rover  from  above  attracted  his  notice,  and 
roused  him  to  his  feet,  evidently  with  the  determination  of 
renewing  the  attack,  but  with  more  caution,  for  taking  a 
circuit,  he  moved  up  the  side  of  the  ravine,  as  if  to  regain 
his  former  vantage-ground.  The  two  men  were  debating 
whether  it  would  be  best  to  allow  him  to  come  on  to  their 
rear  ;  and  like  all  divided  commands,  the  council  might  have 
proved  fatal. 

"  You  may  stand  here  if  you  please,"  said  Gabriel ;  "  but 
I  am  for  that  tree.  I  hate  to  have  an  enemy  above  me  ;" 
and  with  that  he  sprung  up  and  sat  on  a  branch  which  over- 
hung the  very  rock  on  which  his  companion  was  ensconced. 
The  animal,  from  this  very  motion  made  by  his  enemy,  had 
put  himself  into  a  rapid  pace,  and  was  ready  again  to  take  a 
new  spring  as  before.  Down  he  came  cautiously,  when 
both  fired,  and  their  shots  told;  but,  raging  with  pain,  he 
sprang  upon  the  rock,  over  which  Bertram  slid,  but  only  to 
encounter  his  foe,  which  was  in  close  quarters  with  him  at 
once.  Out  came  Bertram's  sharp  knife,  which  played  havock 
with  the  beast ;  still  the  result  might  have  been  doubtful, 
had  not  Gabriel  come  down  and  finished  the  battle,  by  a  ball 
which  he  planted  in  the  ear,  so  well  given  that  the  cata- 
mount turned  himself  on  his  side,  and  gave  his  last  gasp. 

The  two  adventurers,  wiping  the  sweat  from  their  faces, 
mingled  as  it  was  with  blood,  sat  down  on  the  rock,  survey- 
ing their  fallen  enemy  with  pride  and  gratitude. 

"  A  panther,"  said  Bertram,  at  length,  "  and  nearly  as 
large  as  the  Bengal  tiger  we  shot  at  Bombay,  in  the  East, 
when  there  were  fifty  of  us  in  at  the  death.  What  powerful 
limbs  he  has  ;  and  these  horrible  claws ;  see  where  he  has 
torn  the  flesh  from  my  arm  here." 

"Not  a  panther,  sir,  as  you  may  see  by  these  black  rings  on 
his  tail.  A  catamount,  if  you  please;  but  so  far  as  the  fierce- 
ness and  the  power  of  the  creature  goes,  there  is  but  little  dif- 
ference. The  painter  is  sometimes  seen  in  these  mountains : 
but  of  the  difference,  old  Frederika  Sax  could  discourse  with 
you  a  whole  day,  and  not  be  tired  then." 

"  My  poor  carcass,  Gabriel,  my  boy,  would  be  quite  as  soro 
after  the  description  as  it  is  now.  See  how  these  holes  bleed ; 
come,  tear  off  a  piece  of  my  shirt  here,  and  act  the  surgeon  on 
me,  lest  I  bleed  to  death." 

This  being  done  after  the  most  approved  hunter's  art,  the 
busy  Gabriel  commenced  immediately  skinning  the  dead  ani- 


A   PANTHER   OK   A   CATAMOUNT.  2'<  £ 

mal.  To  the  question  put,  "  Of  what  use  is  it  ?  for  yon  cannot- 
use  the  skin  here,  and  you  would  not  burden  yourself  by  car- 
rying it  away." 

Gabriel  replied  coolly :  "  You  see,  sir,  it  will  serve  two  pur- 
poses, and  more  besides.  It  will  prove  good  luck  when  we 
show  these  claws,  and  obtain  bounty  when  we  fetch  those 
ears  home.  They  are  good  money  anywhere  while  fresh ; 
and  the  man  who  has  killed  a  catamount,  as  that  tail  will 
show,  is  not  to  be  despised  on  these  mountains.  He  will 
respect  himself,  and  others  will  respect  him  " 

All  these  reasons  were  given  while  the  process  of  denuding 
the  animal  of  his  hide  was  going  on.  After  it  was  done,  the 
operator  took  the  skin  on  his  arm,  and  climbed  up  a  high 
tree,  where  he  stretched  it  out  on  the  trunk,  so  that  it  might 
dry  without  wrinkles. 

These  events  took  place  within  a  few  miles  of  the  Dog 
Pool,  where  the  three  women,  in  whom  we  are  interested,  had 
their  hiding-place  ;  but  in  these  wild  regions,  a  thousand  men 
moving  singly  through  the  thickets,  would  be  like  ships  in 
a  dense  mist  at  sea,  within  hail  of  each  other,  but  in  ignorance 
of  being  near  any  one.  A  mile  more  to  the  westward  would 
have  led  the  two  men  to  the  very  spot  on  which  their  minds 
were  bent. 

Weary  and  worn  with  the  fatigue  of  their  late  contest, 
they  sat  down  on  the  verge  of  the  ravine,  and  commenced 
eating  the  fragments  of  their  supplies,  which  Gabriel  had 
carefully  gathered  up  at  the  close  of  their  morning  meal  in 
the  barn,  draining  at  the  same  time  the  last  drop  of  Hollands 
from  the  square  bottle. 

"  Squeeze  the  sides  of  it,"  said  the  humorous  guide,  as  he 
saw  his  companion  holding  up  the  vessel,  so  that  the  drops 
fell  into  his  mouth.  "  There  is  more  where  that  came  from, 
though  we  are  not  likely  to  taste  it  till  we  earn  it ;  and  if 
my  ears  don't  betray  me,  we  shall  have  more  work  of  the 
same  kind  before  an  hour  passes.  Hark  !" 

The  attention  of  Bertram  was  called  to  what  his  guide 
was  saying,  when  a  roar  went  up  through  the  Clove  in  the 
mountain,  which  chilled  his  blood,  and  made  him  start  to  1m 
feet  as  if  he  had  boen  shot. 

"  The  mate  of  our  dead  enemy,"  was  the  answer  to  his 
fears.  "  She  has  found  him  out,  and  the  skin  is  not  so  warm 
as  it  was  lust  winter.  Well,  it  sounds  mournful,  and  there  is 
a  sort  of  humanity  in  that  scream." 

"  I  declare,"  said  the  other,  "  I  wish  that  she  could  bare 

12 


274  THE   DUTCH   DOMIXIE. 

found  the  living  body  rather  than  the  dead  carcass;  sorrow, 
eveij  in  an  animal,  overcomes  one.  It  is  nature." 

"  Up,"  said  the  eager  Gabriel,  "  for  there  she  comes  at  full 
speed ;  let  us  to  the  top  of  the  lull  here,  and  have  at  least  the 
advantage  of  high  ground.  Load  as  you  run,  and  see  that 
the  priming  be  good.  We  will  need  all  our  wits." 

Doing  as  he  bade,  he  put  Bertram  up  first ;  and  walking 
almost  backward  himself,  he  watched  the  shaking  among  the 
bushes,  looking  out  at  the  same  time  for  some  point  which 
might,  in  case  of  need,  be  a  place  of  defence.  The  old  rock 
was  now  in  his  mind,  but  for  lack  of  that,  he  was  resolving 
to  climb  the  first  tree  which  afforded  a  favorable  harbor ; 
and  had  communicated  his  plan  to  Bertram,  when  another 
roar  told  them  that  the  creature  was  upon  their  wake.  She 
had  scented  their  track  and  was  hastening  toward  them. 

"  Spring  to  that  pine-tree,"  was  the  cry  of  Gabriel,  and  at 
the  same  time,  he  took  to  the  one  close  by  himself'.  When 
nearly  half  way  up,  they  looked  back  with  more  security  to  the 
path  up  which  they  had  come.  Listening  with  great  eager- 
ness, their  late  experience  told  them  that  something  was  irri- 
tating the  animal  below  them.  She  was  giving  forth  low, 
dull  growls,  like  those  heard  by  themselves  just  before  their 
late  foe  prepared  to  spring  on  them.  In  a  moment  more  the 
report  of  a  well-loaded  gun  came  up  to  them  in  full  vo- 
lume, accompanied  by  a  yell  which  told  that  the  ball  had  en- 
tered some  vital  part,  though  lite  was  far  from  being  extinct. 
Before  Bertram  had  time  to  speak  a  word,  he  saw  that 
Gabriel  had  slipped  down  from  his  perch,  and  was  already  on 
his  way  to  the  scene  of  action ;  and  in  duty  bound  he  must 
of  course  follow  his  captain.  Like  all  men  accustomed  to 
danger,  the  mere  prospect  of  seeing  fair  play  was  enough  to 
entice  them  to  the  place. 

When  Gabriel  arrived,  he  saw  at  a  glance  how  matters 
stood:  a  single  man  was  in  close  combat  with  an  enraged 
animal ;  and  the  beast  had  decidedly  the  best  of  it,  for  the 
man  lay  on  his  back,  and  was  grasping  the  throat  of  the  cata- 
mount, her  tongue  pressed  from  her  mouth,  discharging  foam, 
mixed  with  blood  on  the  prostrate  man's  face,  blinding  him 
completely.  So  closely  and  stiflly  were  the  combatants  clasped 
that  neither  could  th^  man  rise  nor  the  beast  extricate  itself. 
The  two  forelegs  of  the  one  were  held  down  by  the  arms  of 
the  other  so  near,  that  when  the  claws  of  the  beast  would  have 
been  raised,  the  strength  of  the  man  was  put  forth  with  such 
vigor  in  pulling  the  neck  down,  that  all  efforts  were  an  yet 


A   PANTHEB   OK   A   CATAMOUNT.  275 

vain  \vith  ihe  foi-e  feet ;  and  by  lifting  Ms  knees  to  the  belly  of 
the  beast,  the  hind  paws  were  fixed  in  the  ground  below,  so 
that  they  did  no  injury. 

Such  a  state  of  things  could  not  have  continued  long,  and 
considering  that  the  animal  was  severely  wounded,  it  is  pro- 
bable that  it  would  have  yielded  had  his  grim  captor 
strength  left  like  what  he  still  showed,  to  hold  out ;  but  the 
smallest  change  might  have  proved  fatal  where  nothing  re- 
mained but  the  bare  human  nails,  against  such  cJaws  and 
sinews. 

"  Hold  on,"  was  the  cry  of  Gabriel,  the  momenr  he  came 
near ;  "hold  on,  and  I  will  put  my  pistol  to  her  ear." 

"To  her  heart,  to  her  heart,"  shouted  the  man,  (i  she  will 
choke  me  with  blood." 

Quick  as  thought  Bertram  took  the  opposite  side  of  Ga- 
briel, and  putting  his  pistol  to  her  heart,  while  Gabriel  applied 
his  at  nearly  the  same  time,  the  great  creature,  with  a  scream 
almost  human,  fell  over  on  her  side,  leaving  the  imprisoned 
man  alone  at  full  length. 

"  Are  you  hurt  ?"  was  the  first  question  put  to  the  rescued 
victim.  Rising  up,  he  shook  himself,  as  if  he  were  not  sure 
that  he  was  the  same  man  who  had  been  lying  under  a  cata- 
mount a  minute  before. 

"•  L  do  not  feel  any  way  injured,"  was  the  answer  of  the 
man,  in  the  full  mock  dress  of  an  Indian ;  "  but  I  think  I 
must  be,  after  such  a  struggle.  I  forgot  to  thank  you  gen- 
tlemen, for  your  timely  help.  My  throat  would  now  have 
been  in  her  vicious  jaws  but  for  you  ;  for  I  could  not  have 
held  out  three  minutes  more." 

All  this  time  the  stranger  was  panting  for  breath,  and  try- 
ing to  stand  on  his  feet.  His  face  was  covered  with  mud, 
and  streaked  with  slaver,  so  that  it  would  have  defied  his 
mother  to  have  known  him.  Bertram  had  run  and  filled  the 
bottle  with  water,  putting  it  into  the  hand  of  the  stran- 
ger ;  Gabriel  was  at  the  same  time  wiping  his  face  with  his 
handkerchief,  used  as  a  sponge.  Both  were  doing  all  they 
could  to  restore  the  rescued  man  to  calmness,  arid  his 
strength.  After  these  necessary  things  were  done,  they  sat 
down  to  survey  their  fallen  foe,  and  hear  the  account  of  the 
beginning  of  this  combat. 

"  It  appears  to  me,"  said  Gabriel,  "  that  notwithstand- 
ing your  evident  disguise,  your  voice  and  eyes  are  in  my 
memory,  like  some  old  tune  that  I  have  heard  snatches  of  in 
my  young  days.  I  am  averse  to  ask  you  for  a  name  in 


276  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

these  times,  but  our  late  battle  has  put  us  all  three  on  one 
side." 

"  And  you  might  command  me  just  now,  since  you  are 
two  to  one." 

"  Any  man,"  said  Bertram,  "  who  can  fight  a  catamount  is 
not  to  be  despised  even  when  laid  on  his  back." 

"  I  have  recognized  you  from  the  first  moment  you  came 
in  my  sight,"  said  the  stranger.  "  You  are  Gabriel  Smith, 
and  my  name  is  Teunis  Roe." 

"Ha !"  said  Gabriel,  "who  could  have  thought  it;  and  yet 
I  might  have  known  that  the  son  of  his  father  would  be  on 
the  side  of  the  king ;  for  I  see  that  you  are  wearing  one  of 
his  liveries." 

This  did  not  sound  very  agreeable  to  the  other,  but  he 
merely  replied,  "  I  have  heard  that  Gabriel  Smith  had  on  the 
king's  livery  for  a  year  past ;  how  comes  it  that  he  has 
dofl'ed  it  in  these  hills  which  are  all  under  his  majesty's 
power  ?" 

"Reasons  for  all  things,  and  you  are  the  very  man  that  can 
help  in  this  matter,  Teunis  Roe  ;  and  as  I  knew  you  before  to 
be  honest,  and  now  to  be  brave,  I  could  wish  to  lay  you 
under  a  bond  of  honor.  We  would  ask  of  you  a  favor." 

"  What  you  may  command  as  a  right,  since  I  am  indebted 
to  you  for  my  life." 

This  led  at  once  to  a  careful  history  of  the  reasons  of 
Gabriel  being  there  with  Bertram,  a  stranger,  on  these  rnoun 
tains,  and  it  is  easy  to  imagine  the  mutual  surprise  of  all  the 
three,  when  the  whole  story  which  both  parties  told  was 
communicated.  Bertram  of  course  was  the  most  astonished 
the  most  enraptured,  and  the  most  affected  with  fear  lest  a.r. 
their  labor  should  be  lost. 

"  So  near  and  yet  we  cannot  find  them !  Oh,  if  we  had  but 
a  few  days  to  ourselves,  we  could  hunt  them.  One  thing  we 
should  be  thankful  for:  she  has  escaped  that  villain  Kiska- 
taam." 

"  He  is  now  hunting  for  them,  and  perhaps  before  you  are 
aware  of  it,  he  will  be  at  your  back,  aiming  his  gun  at  your 
ear.  It  is  time  that  we  got  under  cover.  I  have  seen  that 
inake  this  morning  already,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  leave 
the  camp  once,  but  he  has  been  at  rny  heels.  Let  us  go  up 
nearer  to  the  Kauterskill  Falls." 

"  Have  you  made  up  your  mind  as  to  which  side  you  will 
take  when  the  Indians  are  carrying  off  the  prisoners,"  said 
Gabriel  to  the  mock  Indian:  "for  you  know  we  can  claim 


A   PANTHER   OR    A    CATAMOUNT.  277 

being  cm  the  same  side  with  Brandt  and  carry  off  our  prize 
in  the  teeth  of  Kiskataam  ?" 

"  That  is  if  the  man  called  Colonel  Clifford  do  not  succeed 
in  putting  in  a  stronger  claim  and  have  a  stronger  hand  in  it 
than  two  men  like  you,  in  the  dress  of  the  common  colonists, 
are  likely  to  have  with  the  Mohawk." 

"  Colonel  Clifford  !"  both  called  out  at  once.  "  He  here ! 
then  our  cause  is  hopeless,  unless  we  can  obtain  her  by  force 
or  stratagem ;  which  do  you  suppose  to  be  the  most  feasi- 
ble ?" 

"  When  I  was  met  by  that  fearful  animal,"  said  Tennis,  "  I 
was  on  my  way  to  consult  a  man  of  more  wisdom  than  I 
have  myself;  though  till  this  morning,  I  was  better  able  to 
judge  of  hunting  through  these  mountains  than  a  stranger 
possibly  could  be  ;  but  I  now  am  at  my  wits'  end,  and  am 
willing  to  be  led  by  any  one  in  this  matter.  Perhaps  I  ought 
to  have  gone  to  him  beforehand ;  still  it  may  not  be  too  late." 

"  Who  is  this  person,  Teunis,  that  you  are  now  about  to 
counsel  with,  if  I  may  ask,  for  if  we  are  going  to  take  the 
same  work  in  hand,  it  will  be  proper  that  we  act  together, 
intelligently." 

"  Let  me  here,"  said  Teunis,  "  tell  you  candidly  that  my 
life  and  happiness  are  alike  bound  up  in  the  deliverance  of 
Elsie  Schuyler,  and  if  the  young  lady  be  the  same  as  I  have 
seen,  your  interests  are  mine  ;  and  so  far  you  must  trust  my 
word.  I  have  a  plan  which  was  in  my  mind  before  we 
met.  It  can  be  carried  out  all  the  better  by  three.  Hear 
this,  and  tell  me  your  mind.  The  party  on  the  rock  I  believe 
are  waiting  for  more  prisoners,  whom  they  expect.  Some 
say  it  is  the  Dominie  of  Kaatskill.  My  own  notion  is,  that 
it  is  nobody  else  but  your  Lady  Margaret ;  and  to-morrow 
there  is  to  be  a  regular  surrounding  of  the  hills  as  far  west 
as  possible  ;  now  if  I  can  get  up  a  party  of  surprise  it  will 
either  send  Brandt  off,  when  Elsie  will  come  out  of  her  hid- 
ing-place, or  jt  may  become  a  rescuing  party,  should  they 
succeed  in  discovering  the  spot  where  I  am  quite  sure  she 
keeps  her  charge." 

"  And  what  did  you  wish  from  the  friend  below  ?"  said 
the  over-cautious  Gabriel. 

"  I  wanted  encouragement :  for  my  judgment  has  become 
scattered.  Between  this  false  dress,  my  father's  wishes  and 
my  own  likings  and  dislildngs,  I  am  like  a  dog  that  has  lost 
its  scent,  ready  to  be  whistled  off  by  any  straggler  on  the 
road  that  will  call  him  master." 


278  TH'S   DTTTCH   DOMINIE, 

"  Unless  you  have  confidence  in  the  man,  do  not  go  neai 
him.  Your  plan  is  excellent,  and  for  your  encouragement 
let  me  tell  you,"  said  Gabriel,  "that  one  of  our  party  is  down 
at  the  Dominie's  at  present,  soliciting  his  advice  and  aid." 

"  You  mean  a  king's  man  like  yourself,  in  disguise  ?" 

"  Yes,  the  brother  of  the  young  lady,  and  he  carries  docu- 
ments with  him  of  such  a  kind  as  will  insure  his  reception." 

"  And  a  warm  reception  it  will  be,  as  I  am  a  living  man. 
Your  friend's  neck  is  not  worth  a  bushel  of  beans  in  Dominie 
Schuneman's  hands,  unless  it  be  on  the  authority  of  General 
Washington  himself.  It  would  not  surprise  me  if  he  be  hang- 
ing like  a  scarecrow  to  the  first  tree  he  finds  outside  of  the 
church." 

"  He  would  not  dare  to  do  such  a  thing  in  the  king's  domi- 
nions, and  in  the  face  of  the  authority  he  carries." 

"  My  dear  sir,  you  are  an  Englishman,  and  very  loyal,  no 
doubt ;  but  our  Dominie  has  more  power  in  his  parish  than  all 
the  kings  in  Christendom ;  but  come,  we  have  not  a  moment's 
time  to  lose." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

FUN,    FKOLIC   AND   FOLLY,    FINISHED    SOBERLY. 

"  Socrates,  the  great  moralist,  was  so  famous  for  wit  and  humor,  that  the  Athenians 
fave  him  the  name  of  The  Droll." — MODERN  PLUTARCH. 

CLARENCE  CLINTON,  after  parting  from  Bertram  and  Gab- 
riel, made  quick  progress  on  his  faithful  nag.  There  was  good 
cause  for  the  animal's  haste — his  mate  was  on  the  same  road 
that  night  before  him.  Old  Cornelius  TVynkoop's  negro 
Ebo,  was  a  dissolute  fellow  of  his  race,  spending  three  nights 
in  the  week,  besides  Sunday,  in  some  dissipation.  He  never 
went  far  without  a  good  horse,  and  though  it  might  be  to  a 
distance,  he  was  sure  to  return  before  his  master  had  shaken 
the  ashes  out  of  his  first  pipe  ;  Kaarney's  negroes  were  free 
livers,  but  were  not  the  only  set  that  lived  a  free  life.  Thoir 
masters  and  their  sons  do  all  the  marketing,  and  the  pro- 
viding, and  the  visiting,  during  the  winter,  upstairs  while 
the  blacks  do  the  eating  and  the  drinking  down  in  the  cellai 
kitchen.  The  frolicking  is  done  by  both  classes,  at  their 


FUN,    FROLIC   AND   FOLLY    FINISHED    SOBEKLY.  279 

several  haunts,  near  the  villages,  where  might  have  been 
seen  a  swinging  sign-board  with  the  words  "  Cakes  and 
Beer  sold  here,"  painted  in  the  rudest  shaped  letters,  as 
if  patterned  after  an  African's  jaws  and  heels.  Some  crone 
of  the  real  ebony  color  Iceeps  the  house  for  a  white  man  not 
far  off.  Generally  she  is  his  own  slave,  of  more  than  usual 
shrewdness,  who  presides  in  full  freedom  for  the  night,  while 
he  in  the  morning  comes  round  from  the  big  house  for  the 
avails  of  the  carousal.  There  the  negro  dances,  and  the 
rough  weddings  are  held ;  and  under  the  rose  the  sons  of 
the  white  men  take  great  interest  in  these  kiltocoys. 

Ebo,  Wynkoop's  right-hand  man,  loved  a  horse,  as  all  his 
race  do,  and  mounted  on  black  or  brown,  he  forgot  every- 
thing  for  the  time.  He  treated  the  span  impartially,  taking 
them  always  out  time  about.  The  horses  were  brothers,  and 
never  parted  from  each  other  but  they  were  glad  to  meet 
again.  This  instinct  led  them  always  to  run  to  the  same 
point  when  they  could  get  free,  and  the  wild  Ebo  had  been 
found  out  before  now  in  this  very  way,  and  traced  to  the  very 
place  he  was  most  averse  at  being  found  in. 

As  Clarence  rode  along  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  to  his 
great  surprise  and  sudden  alarm,  his  horse  set  up  a  loud 
neighing  and  whinnying,  which  made  all  the  fields  around 
vocal.  At  short  intervals,  these  calls  were  responded  to,  by 
others  of  the  same  kind,  which  increased  in  number  and 
loudness  in  proportion  as  he  advanced.  All  at  once  he  was 
brought  up  standing  at  the  door  of  a  low  cabin,  where  voices 
and  screams  went  up,  as  if  a  hundred  witches  were  dinning 
the  air  and  performing  their  eldritch  rites.  "  Black  spirits 
and  white,  red  spirits  and  grey,"  all  seemed  mingling  to- 
gether. 

After  gratifying  his  curiosity  a  moment  by  looking  through 
the  low  window,  he  prepared  to  go  forward  ;  but  to  his  mor- 
tification his  horse  would  not  move  a  foot,  but  sent  forth  one 
of  his  loudest  neighs,  that  provoked  the  rider  to  vengeance, 
which  caused  the  animal  to  make  all  the  more  noise,  till  it  at 
last  arrested  the  attention  of  the  company  within  for  an  in- 
stant. One  of  the  dancers  caine  to  the  window,  and  seeing 
nothing,  called  to  the  fiddler,  "  Csease,  play  up  ;"  and  the  old 
fellow  within  gave  his  bow  a  double  stroke,  that  skirled  on 
the  strings  till  the  screams  of  the  company  camf  again  in  full 
force.  Clarence  descended  and  looked  in  moio  closely,  in- 
tending to  lead  his  horse  past ;  and  such  a  sight  lie  never 
beheld  before.  There  were  at  least  forty  of  the  genuine 


280  THE    DUTCH    1/OMTN1E 

Guinea  negroes,  of  purest  jet,  enjoying  themselves  in  the 
most  outlandish  sports.  The  dance  was  a  cross  between  the 
wild  African  jig  and  the  low  Dutch  hornpipe. 

The  astonished  Clarence  looked  on,  not  knowing  what  to 
make  of  the  scene.  He  had  witnessed  many  wild  outbreaks 
in  his  lifetime,  but  never  anything  like  this :  not  even  in  theatri- 
cal displays. 

When  they  had  fairly  run  themselves  down,  they  fell  on 
the  floor,  rolling  and  screaming  over  each  other,  till  they  ap- 
peared actually  like  so  many  large  black  hogs,  with  a  few 
white  ones  among  them,  roused  in  their  pen,  when  some- 
thing has  disturbed  them.  Gradually  they  slackened  down  to 
a  lowered  key,  but  not  less  din.  That  was  kept  up  in  the 
way  we  may  suppose  the  cellars  of  Babel  were  found  in  some 
night  soon  after  the  confusion  of  tongues  took  place  ;  for  not 
a  word  could  be  distinctly  distinguished  till  some  one  cried 
oat  sangaree,  and  all  rose,  male  and  female,  holding  their 
tongues  still,  and  their  mouths  open,  as  if  they  had  discovered 
for  the  first  time  that  they  were  choking,  and  could  not 
speak  another  word  but  sangaree,  till  they  took  a  swallow. 
It  was  during  this  pause  in  the  state  of  affairs,  that  Black 
and  Brown  gave  each  other  an  impatient  neigh,  that  went  to 
the  quick  ear  of  all  the  delinquent  negroes,  who  had  horses 
there.  Some  one  who  had  been  out  of  doors  ran  in  with  the 
astonishing  intelligence,  crying,  "Ebo  !  Robbin,  your  massa, 
come  ;  ole  Kaarney  at  the  door." 

Quick  as  a  flash,  the  black  rogue  ran  to  the  door,  and  see- 
ing the  horse  that  Clarence  held — he  knew  his  shape  and  his 
neigh  in  an  instant — he  prepared  his  back  for  the  whip ;  but, 
in  the  meantime,  he  would  try  some  scheme,  what,  he  could 
not  tell ;  but  running  up  in  the  dark,  to  where  Clarence  stood, 
he  screamed  out,  "Massa,  massa,  forgive  ma  'passes,  as  Dom- 
inie says,  in  our  Fader.  Me  come  down  to  Phcebe  Cauter- 
•walikin,  but  didn't  mean  to  come  ;  forgive  me  ma  dets." 

Clarence  saw  that  he  was  under  some  mistake,  and  quietly 
said  so  ;  asking  Ebo  if  he  would  help  him  to  take  this  skittish 
animal  past  the  door,  for  he  was  in  a  great  haste  to  get  on. 

By  this  time  Ebo  had  opened  his  eyes,  and  had  seen  Ms 
error  in  regard  to  the  man,  but  was  still  sure  about  the  beasu ; 
and  suddenly  changing  his  tone,  he  called  out : 

"  Ha  !  Cowboy  stolen  massa  hoss.  Goot ;  the  tief  founa 
out  dis  time.  Fox  fal  ente  de  trap  himselv.  He  !  he  !  he  !" 

And  his  mirth  returned  with  something  additional  to  pay 
for  the  fear  he  had  incurred.  All  the  company  had  felt  tho 


FUN,    FKOLIC    AND   FOLLY,    FINISHED   SOBERLY.  28"i 

alann — for  the  negro  is  of  the  gregarious  tribes,  the  moment 
that  one  suffers,  all  the  crowd  suffer  with  him  ;  and  so  let 
one  dance,  and  all  join  through  complete  sympathy.  Quiet- 
ness had  reigned  till  Ebo  called  out,  "  Cowboy,"  when  a  shout 
came  out  of  the  house,  as  the  whole  party,  male  and  female, 
surrounded  the  man  and  horse.  Old  Aunt  Phoebe,  side  by 
side  with  her  grey  fiddler,  were  there  ready  to  seize  the  bridle 
of  Brown,  and  chase  the  thief  away  with  the  broomstick. 

Clarence,  in  the  midst  of  this  black  nation,  found  himself 
in  a  complete  hornet's  nest  and  dilemma.  To  tell  them  who 
he  was  would  be  folly,  and  to  go  back  would  be  to  frustrate 
his  whole  plan.  His  first  thought  was  to  leave  the  horse  in 
the  hands  of  those  who  claimed  it,  and  go  forward  afoot.  As 
he  proposed  this,  he  soon  found  that  Ebo  was  in  as  great  a 
quandary  as  himself;  Old  Kaarney  would  demand  of  him  how 
he  happened  to  be  there,  to  make  the  discovery,  and  he  kne.v 
that  the  bringing  back  of  Brown  would  not  save  his  own  carcass 
from  the  lash ;  so  that  between  the  doubt  of  the  stranger 
and  the  doubt  of  the  negro,  there  was  rising  an  uncertain 
state  of  things.  Old  Phoebe,  who  was  in  reality  the  leader 
of  the  whole  party,  out  the  knot  in  the  right  place,  when  she 
called  out : 

"  Take  'em  to  de  Squire.  To  de  Squire  Burhause  !"  To 
this  proposition  all  responded  with  the  heartiest  good  will, 
and  as  Clarence  found  out  that  the  Squire  was  not  far  off,  he 
hoped  to  prove  to  his  satisfaction  that  he  was  neither  Cow- 
boy 110 r  horse  thief.  In  the  meantime,  he  felt  a  little  mean  at 
the  suspicion  he  necessarily  lay  under,  and  resolved  to  keep  out 
of  the  presence  of  a  white  man  if  possible. 

At  the  time  when  all  were  about  to  start  for  the  Squire,  a 
young  lithe  negro  came  up,  blowing  and  puffing  with  impor- 
tance, saying,  as  his  breath  would  allow  him,  "  the  bulls !  the 
black  bulls !— Bob  an'  Peet." 

Hooree !  hooree !  was  the  sound  that  went  forth  on  all 
sides.  The  young  fellow  had  been  sent  off  to  drive  two  bulls, 
that  were  kept  at  opposite  sides  of  Judge  Abiel's  farm,  into 
the  same  lot,  where  they  were  sure  to  fight,  with  a  force 
and  a  fury  which  could  not  fail  to  be  prodigiously  interesting 
to  the  blacks.  With  their  characteristic  thoughtlessness  of 
all  but  the  present,  nothing  was  worth  looking  at  except  the 
expected  sport.  Ebo,  however,  took  hold  of  Brown's  bridle, 
and  led  him  down  through  the  rail  fence  into  the  field,  think- 
ing, of  course,  that  his  late  rider  would  follow,  which  he  did 
with  apparent  good  will.  The  two  mad  creatures  were  coin- 


232  THE    DUTCH    DOMIXIE. 

ing  toward  each  other  from  opposite  sides  of  the  field,  foam- 
ing and  pawing  the  ground  as  they  drew  near.  They  bent 
their  heads,  then  rushed  together  with  all  their  fury,  meeting 
in  the  centre,  when  their  skulls  cracked,  as  if  two  rocks  had 
come  to  one  place,  flung  by  the  hands  of  giants.  Retiring 
tailwise,  they  flew  forward  again  with  still  greater  force  and 
anger  than  before,  continuing  these  repeated  attacks,  till  the 
one  and  then  the  other  grew  weak  with  the  effort.  When 
fastening  their  horns,  they  pushed,  as  one  of  the  ruling  spirits 
said,  when  asked 

"  What  would  de  Domeley  say,  Tom  ?" 

"  Dey  push  like  the  bulls  of  Bashan." 

The  great  interest  which  Clarence  took  in  the  battle  was 
in  the  human  blacks,  whose  excitement  was  beyond  bounds 
as  the  fun  proceeded.  Young  and  old,  male  and  female,  were 
in  one  perpetual  movement.  At  every  new  onset  they 
screamed  and  laughed,  clapping  their  hands,  holding  by  each 
other,  and  then  falling  down,  seeming  more  like  persons  pos- 
sessed with  harmless  noisy  spirits,  than  even  black  mortals. 
Rising,  they  wrestled,  falling  down  together  with  the  most 
frantic  yells,  in  which  there  was  no  malice  nor  misery,  but 
outbursts  of  mere  animal  feeling,  like  what  young  colts  and 
even  old  horses  will  at  times  give  out,  when  the  harness  is 
slipped  off  in  the  field.  Ebo,  who  by  this  time  had  forgot- 
ten all  about  Black  or  Brown,  and  was  seen  in  all  parts  of  the 
field  kicking  up  his  heels,  turning  the  wildcat,  with  every 
other  conceivable  and  inconceivable  antic  movement,  came 
across  old  Phoebe,  not  seeming  to  know  the  difference 
between  her  great  fat  carcass  and  her  daughter  Jenny's,  and 
taking  her  around  the  waist  with  his  arm,  she  gave  him  a 
smart  stroke  on  the  cheek,  telling  him  not  "  to  'salt  the  Mis- 
sus of  King's  Road  Hotel."  Turning  in  his  pain  to  old  Caese, 
he  hugged  him  with  right  good  will,  who,  nothing  loth,  hug- 
ged him  back  again  ;  till,  getting  loose  from  the  strong  arms 
of  the  brute,  he  seized  his  bow  in  earnest,  playing  up  what 
he  intended  to  be  "Hail!  Columbia,"  but  ending  in  "Rule 
Britannia ;"  a  tune  of  more  familiarity  with  him  in  olden 
times,  and  one  that  they  all  liked  better  from  its  associa- 
tions. 

In  the  midst  of  this  horse  fun,  Clarence  stepped  to  the 
rear,  and  leaving  the  horse  tied  to  the  fence,  he  took  the  road 
afoot,  plainly  perceiving  that  he  would  reach  his  destination 
loouer  in  this  way  than  roundabout  by  the  Squire's. 

On  the  road  he  was  overtaken,  to  his  great  mortification, 


FUN,    FROLIC   AND   FOLLY,    FINISHED    SOBERLY. 

by  three  of  the  late  frolickers,  on  horseback,  and  ordered  to 
stop,  or  be  "  shot  through  the  small  ob  de  back." 

Perceiving  that  his  retreat  had  been  discovered,  soon  after 
his  secret  movement  had  taken  place,  there  was  nothing  left 
for  him  but  to  submit,  in  hope  of  escaping  through  the  inter- 
vention of  the  Squire,  to  whom  they  said  he  must  go  for 
stealing  that  horse.  After  parleying  with  the  riders  a  few 
minutes,  their  brains  got  puzzled  by  the  question  Clarence 
put  to  the  spokesman  of  the  party  : 

"  Where  is  the  horse  that  any  one  saw  me  steal  ?  Pro- 
duce the  animal." 

Here  was  something  they  had  not  calculated  upon,  for  the 
fact  in  the  case  was,  that  Ebo  had  seized  hold  of  the  bridle, 
and  was  by  this  time  far  on  the  way  back  to  the  stable  where 
he  belonged :  consequently  no  evidence  of  horse-stealing 
being  on  the  ground,  the  fellows  felt  themselves  utterly  at  a 
loss  now  when  the  prisoner  was  in  their  hands. 

"  What  duv  Domilie  Tom  say  to  dis  in  de  law  before  de 
Squire  ?" 

The  person  of  whom  this  was  asked  scratched  his  wocliy 
pate  with  great  gravity,  and  said: 

"  Dis  be  de  true  law ;  the  body  must  be  found  vere  de  mur- 
der be." 

By  this  nine  other  actors  had  entered  on  the  stage.  A 
company,  consisting  of  at  least  sixty  of  rank  and  file,  making 
an  attempt  at  looking  like  soldiers,  led  on  by  a  large  brawny 
negro,  who  gave  the  word  of  command,  "  halt !"  which  took 
place  after  a  while,  but  not  till  the  leader  vociferated  sav- 
agely, and  struck  at  the  company  till  they  screamed,  as  the 
colored  race  only  can  scream  when  a  frolic  is  going  through. 
Clarence  all  the  while  stood  wondering  what  might  be  the 
end.  of  this,  when  a  new  actor  appeared  upon  the  stage,  in 
the  person  of  a  singularly  dressed  masque,  that  simply  said, 
"  this  is  my  prisoner.  Be  gone ;"  and  taking  Clarence  by  the 
arm,  led  him  off  a  short  distance,  saying  at  parting  :  "  Keep 
the  main  road  and  make  haste,  for  the  day  dawns  soon  after 
cock-crowing." 


THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A   DUTCH   DOMINIE   AT   HOME. 

"  Thus  to  relieve  the  wretched  was  his  pride, 
And  e'en  his  failings  leaned  to  virtue's  side  ; 
But  in  his  duty,  prompt  at  every  call, 
He  watched,  and  wept,  and  prayed  alike  for  alL" 

GOLDSMITH. 

CLAKENCE,  walking  on  in  the  grey  light,  followed  the  well- 
beaten  road,  thinking  of  what  he  had  witnessed  with  surprise. 
What  chiefly  affected  him  Avas  the  voice  of  the  mysterious  com- 
mander. He  had  heard  it  before,  but  where  was  all  out  of 
his  mind.  The  events  of  the  past  forty-eight  hours,  together 
with  the  entire  novelty  of  the  scenery  around  him,  were 
enough  to  efface  any  sensible  impression  ever  made  upon  his 
memory;  still  the  sound  of  the  call,  uttered  in  the  dark 
morning,  by  this  stranger,  haunted  his  imagination  all  the  way 
he  went ;  and  had  he  lain  down  to  sleep,  he  felt  that  the 
sounds  would  still  ring  on  in  his  ears.  He  had  heard  the  chap- 
lain say,  when  preaching  on  the  words,  "  The  voice  is  Jacob's 
voice,  but  the  hands  are  the  hands  of  Esau,"  that  deceivers 
can  disguise  themselves  in  all  things  but  their  voice.  Who 
is  this  ?  Time  may  discover. 

Day  was  beginning  to  dawn  as  our  adventurer  came  in 
sight  of  the  stone  church  that  stood  in  the  centre  of  a  neat 
yard  on  the  roadside.  A  small  village  was  scattered  around 
a  mill.  The  murmur  of  a  waterfall  mingled  with  the  dashing 
sounds  of  the  wheel.  There  also  stood  the  smithy,  and  tho 
tavern,  fashioned  after  those  of  the  low  countries  in  Europe. 
The  fields  showed  a  better  cultivation  than  Clarence  ex- 
pected in  a  new  country.  He  did  not  know  that  the  whole 
region  was  more  than  a  century  old.  A  plain  of  considerable 
extent,  running  from  the  south  as  far  north  as  the  eye  couicl 
see,  was  well  dotted  with  dwellings,  surrounded  by  orchards 
and  barns ;  while  the  hills  here  and  there  had  bare  places  on 
their  sides,  showing  that  improvement  went  on,  promising 
fine  results  in  time. 

Clarence  came  up  to  the  door  of  the  church,  surveying 
it  with  deep  interest,  as  it  reminded  him  much  of  what  he  had 
Been  in  the  Low  Countries  of  Europe.  It  was  built  of  stone. 


A   DUTCH   DOMINIE   AT  HOME.  285 

and  covered  with  the  same  red  tile  so  common  in  Holland. 
Posts  were  placed  all  along  the  road,  with  rings  in  them,  for 
fastening  teams ;  and  a  few  sheds  stood  at  the  rear  of  the 
church  for  such  as  had  more  care  for  their  carriages  than  the 
majority.  The  small  belfry  rose  out  from  the  middle  of  the 
square  roof;  and  Clarence  saw  that  a  bell  of  some  size  hung 
in  it,  which,  no  doubt,  had  been  the  gift  of  some  pious  Dutch- 
man of  the  past,  whose  monument  stood  in  the  graveyard 
near  by.  There  the  traveller  went  first,  and  read  in  the  grey 
of  the  morning,  the  names  of  the  forefathers  of  the  place, 
showing  that  they  mainly  had  been  of  true  Holland  origin 
with  less  of  the  Huguenot  blood  than  he  had  seen  in  some 
other  places.  Van  Bergen,  Van  Kleek,  Van  Duesen,  Van 
Vechten  were  most  numerous.  What  surprised  Clarence 
was  the  mixture  of  both  English  and  Scotch,  especially  of  the 
latter,  in  a  place  so  far  remote  from  the  thoroughfares  of  the 
world. 

"These  Dutch,"  he  muttered  to  himself,  "I  believe  are 
found  everywhere  except  where  hunger  and  starvation  are 
known ;  and  there,  too,  are  the  highlanders  from  Scotland, 
that  hungry  country.  You  cannot  starve  them  out." 

Here  were  Salisbury  and  Grant,  McPherson  and  New- 
kirk,  all  met  in  this  tine  amphitheatre,  surrounded  with  high 
hills,  that  were  washed  yearly  of  their  best  soil  to  fatten 
these  lands  below,  and  these,  in  time,  became  fit  to  support 
an  immense  population,  already  flocking  into  it  from  so  many 
countries.  Here,  too,  was  the  temple,  where  all  worshipped 
their  Maker,  blessing  Him  for  the  lands  where  their  tents 
were  pitched  in  this  life.  There  are  the  graves,  where  pious 
friends  come  to  shed  a  tear  of  grateful  remembrance,  and  of 
holy  hope. 

With  such  reflections,  the  candid  young  Englishman  spent 
the  half  hour  that  preceded  the  sunrise,  when  he  was  told  to 
expect  a  meeting  with  the  greatest  man  of  the  place.  Stand- 
ing as  he  did,  at  the  door  of  the  church,  he  looked  to  the 
east,  and  saw  a  stone  house  in  the  midst  of  a  small  orchard, 
and  the  whole  surroundings  showed  uncommon  thrift  and 
neatness. 

"  That  is  the  parson's  house,"  said  Clarence  to  himself, 
"  no  doubt,  and  there  is  the  man  of  God  himself;  the  in- 
structor, the  guide,  the  friend,  and  the  truo  patriot ;  I  won- 
der if  he  be  at  all  like  the  one  I  have  just  left!  I  marvel  il 
cur  clergymen  in  old  England  would  fight  and  preach  for 
their  country  and  their  peopLe,  as  these  men  are  doing  here !" 


280  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

The  Domiuie  Schuneman,  of  Kaatskill,  with  whom  we  are 
already  somewhat  acquainted,  was  walking  slowly  from  his 
house  to  his  barn,  surveying  things  to  the  right  and  left,  that 
he  might  have  all  put  in  order.  For  having  been  absent 
on  public  business  for  his  people,  he  had  of  course  neglected 
his  own  affairs,  and  as  he  lived  more  from  his  farm  than  on  a 
salary,  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  watch  on  all  sides.  Cla- 
rence, in  order  to  give  the  reverend  gentleman  time  to  mark 
his  presence,  had  walked  deliberately  across  the  way  from 
the  church  door  ;  but  as  the  parsonage  stood  on  the  highway 
to  the  city  of  Albany,  every  passer  by  was  seen,  and  scanned 
carefully  in  those  times  of  excitement.  The  Dominie 
had  seen  the  stranger,  and  was  watching  his  movements 
with  the  "  tail  of  his  eye,"  as  he  continued  to  throw  out 
handfuls  of  Indian  corn  to  his  poultry,  of  which  he  had  a 
numerous  flock,  including  a  herd  of  turkeys,  that  would 
have  fed  an  army  in  a  strait. 

"  Good*  morning,"  was  the  salutation  of  the  stranger,  to 
which  the  pastor  courteously  responded  by  a  slight  touch  of 
the  cap,  that  came  close  to  his  head,  falling  in  flaps  over  the 
ears,  after  the  manner  of  John  Calvin,  as  seen  in  pictures  oi 
that  great  man.  Indeed  it  was  intended  to  pattern  after  that 
of  the  Polemical  Republicans,  of  whom  Dominie  Schunne- 
man  was  a  profound  admirer,  equally  of  his  *'  five  points," 
and  his  political  creed. 

Clarence,  folding  his  arms,  turned  his  face  toward  the 
mountain,  which  was  beginning  to  reflect  the  sun,  and  said, 
as  if  he  did  not  care  for  an  answer,  "  I  wonder  if  the  old 
vro\v  will  doff  her  nightcap  soon." 

"  Young  stranger,"  was  the  quick  reply  of  the  poultry 
feeder,  "  it  is  not  for  such  as  you  to  dictate  to  her  greatness 
before  breakfast." 

Clarence  smiled  assent,  well  pleased  with  the  open  sesame 
he  had  applied  with  such  success,  at  the  first  trial ;  and,  as 
if  to  ingratiate  himself  still  further  into  the  good  graces  of 
the  \\vorthy  before  him,  he  continued  to  speak  on. 

"  Mother  Mountain  is  like  all  her  sex,  somewhat  freakish 
in  her  moods  ;  such  a  firm  bottom  would  promise  more  con 
stancy  of  temper." 

The  answer  to  this  was  somewhat  ambiguous,  and  warned 
the  young  man  against  presuming  too  far,  and  so  soon.  His* 
intention  was  seen  through,  and  was  repelled  in  the  outset ; 
lest  there  might  be  a  setting  back  afterward,  of  an  unplea- 
sant nature. 


A   DUTCH   DOMINIE   AT   HOME.  iibi 

"  When  an  old  vrow,  young  stranger,  prepares  for  a  stormy 
journey,  she  takes  off  her  nightcap  at  sunrise,  and  inexpe- 
rience thinks  all  is  fair  weather  ;  but  wisdom  knows,  that  in 
her  good  nature  at  home,  she  allows  her  petticoats  to  hang 
loose.  When  you  see  the  top  of  the  mountain  clear,  and  the 
clouds  lying  on  the  sides,  look  out  for  a  passionate  burst  be- 
fore night." 

Here  the  philosopher  dropped  his  weather-wise  cap,  and 
calling  out  in  a  sharp,  rough  tone,  "  Tom  !  Tom  !  You  vaga- 
bond, come  with  me  into  the  stable."  Looking  behind,  Cla- 
rence saw  the  one  he  called  for,  in  rather  a  dubious  aspect, 
looking  askance  upon  the  stranger,  as  if  he  was  more  afraid 
of  him  than  of  his  master. 

"What  is  the  matter  with  you?  What  makes  you  look 
so  drowsy  ?  Ha,  what  is  here !  What  makes  Dick  all  over 
in  a  muck  of  sweat  ?  Who  has  had  him  out  of  the  stable 
in  the  night  ?  Some  black  skin  will  pay  for  this  before  sun- 
down." 

The  negro  turned  up  the  white  of  his  eyes  toward  Cla- 
rence, who  now  recognized  one  of  the  frolickers  of  the  pre- 
ceding night — rather  morning — and  the  one  that  seemed  to 
rival  his  old  Inquisitor  Ebo,  in  the  cantraps  of  the  "  King's 
Road  Hotel."  They  cast  significant  glances  toward  each 
other.  Tom  evidently  saying  "  a  shut  mouth  catches  no 
flies.  Let  us  be  friends."  The  negro  went  abouc  his  busi- 
ness in  anything  but  a  comfortable  mood,  seeing  a,  witness  of 
his  folly  in  such  familiar  intercourse  with  his  master  ;  and  at 
the  same  time  he  was  planning  in  his  mind  how  he  might  be 
able  to  counteract  the  evil  effects  of  anything  against  him- 
self, by  sonrething  equally  disastrous  to  the  stranger.  Work- 
ing himself  into  the  firm  belief  that  Clarence  had  already  re- 
vealed all,  he  resolved  to  pay  him  back  with  interest. 

Dominie  Schuneman,  whose  company  we  expect  to  keep 
the  greater  part  of  the  time  through  which  this  history  ex- 
tends, was  a  man  of  large  and  wide  influence  in  his  time.  He 
belonged  to  one  of  the  oldest  families  that  came  from  Hol- 
land at  an  early  day,  and  which  had  risen  to  some  wealth  and 
a  good  position.  Of  their  ancestors,  he  was  one  who  would 
not  boast.  When  his  wife,  who  rather  looked  up  to  the 
aristocracy,  would  begin  to  trace  back,  he  would  curtly  say  : 

"  The  less  of  that  Maria,  the  better.  My  name  is  Schun- 
neman  ;  and  you  are  Dutch  enough  to  know  that  that  i? 
skinner  ;  another  word  for  plain  butcher.  A  Yankeee  would 
call  it  Skin-flint." 


288  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

But  the  parents  of  our  friend  were  able  to  send  their  son 
back  to  the  Vaderland,  where,  at  Leyden,  he  obtained  a 
liberal  education,  and  was  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry, 
which  he  had  exercised  with  great  fidelity  in  this  place, 
Kaatskill,  since  his  return  to  his  native  country.  His  parislf 
extended  from  Caatsban  to  near  Albany,  taking  in  all  the 
mountain  districts;  so  that  he  was  as  well  known  by  the 
public  now,  as  any  man  in  the  province,  and  knew  as  well 
what  was  going  on  in  it.  as  if  he  were  an  officer  of  the  State. 
Trained  in  the  Calvinistic  theology,  which  renders  men  firm 
in  principle ;  drinking  in  the  love  of  liberty  for  which  Hol- 
land has  been  famous,  and  believing,  in  the  Presbyterian  or- 
der of  church  government,  which  calls  no  man  muster,  he 
was  prepared  to  pray  and  fight  against  the  devil  and  the 
king.  His  ardent  temperament  made  him  a  fierce  foe,  and  a 
firm  friend,  while  his  superior  learning  raised  him  above  all 
the  laymen  in  his  region  ;  and  his  office  gave  him  a  power 
which  he  was  not  slack  to  use,  on  his  own  responsibility. 
He  was  a  fair  representative  of  the  majority  of  his  class  ; 
both  in  their  good  and  doubtful  qualities.  The  whole 
colony  of  New  York  was  in  the  hands  of  these  Dominies, 
and  it  is  praise  enough  to  their  memories,  that  that  por- 
tion of  the  new  States  came  out  of  that  great  struggle  as 
honorably  as  Massachusetts,  whose  speeches  ring  like  the 
bell  of  old  South,  in  Boston,  "  Praise  be  to  me  1  praise  be 
to  me !" 

Clarence  taking  the  hint  given  him  by  Gabriel  at  parting, 
followed  the  _ Dominie  into  the  house,  and  when  the  break- 
fast was  announced,  sat  down  to  the  table  as  if  he  were  one 
of  the  family.  A  large  platter  of  fricasseed  chickens,  mixed 
with  slices  of  pork,  stood  in  the  centre  of  the  bountiful 
board,  surrounded  by  other  dishes,  heaped  with  cold  meats  of 
different  kinds.  Venison  and  bear's  meat,  and  hillocks  of  bread 
and  bowls  of  milk  abounded.  The  children  swallowed  gallons 
of  a  kind  of  porridge  called  buttermilk  pap  ;  and  all  the  grown 
folks  seemed  greedy  of  something  called  apple  butter.  After 
grace,  said  in  Dutch,  the  master  of  the  feast  said,  "  Set  to, 
help  yourselves,  and  your  neighbors  will  like  you  the  bet- 
ter," and  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  he  planted  his  fork 
in  the  leg  of  the  fattest  fowl,  and  transferred  it  to  his  own 
plate  of  wood,  of  which  material  were  all  the  vessels  at  the 
table.  His  guest  understood  the  hint,  and  did  justice  to  the 
viands  of  which  he  really  stood  in  want,  not  having  tasted 
anything  since  his  imprisonment  at  Snyder's,  except  a  piece 


A   DUTCH   DOMINIE   AT   HOMK.  289 

of  apple  pie,  that  fat  Phoebe  had  thrust  into  his  fist  as  he 
went  down  to  see  the  bull-fight. 

There  was  but  little  said  during  the  meal,  and  that  in  a 
language  which  Clarence  could  not  fully  understand.  Still 
he  knew  more  than  they  gave  him  credit  for.  Having  re- 
sided himself  for  some  time  in  the  Low  Countries,  he  had 
picked  up  enough  of  the  language  to  enable  him  to  follow 
out  the  meaning  of  certain  questions  and  answers  given, 
in  the  purer  style,  which  an  educated  man  always  uses  in 
his  family.  The  wife  here  was  a  large,  gallant-looking  wo- 
man, with  a  chin  that  defied  all  competition,  and  her  speech 
was  with  authority,  not  excepting  the  Dominie  himself. 
She  sat  high  like  a  queen ;  of  finely  rounded  form.  Her 
complexion  was  pure  white  and  red,  but  her  look  was  harder 
than  one  would  expect,  in  a  place  so  remote  from  the  pub- 
lic eye.  It  might  be  the  times  which  made  her  severe ;  but 
it  struck  Clarence  that  she  was  too  masculine  to  be  motherly, 
and  was  more  likely  to  be  feared  than  loved  by  the  people 
of  the  parish.  Her  husband  always  addressed  her  under 
the  title  'Yfvrow,  which  the  stranger  soon  found  was  as  much 
her  official  name  as  Dominie  was  his,  which  she  never  failed 
to  give  him,  fulfilling  to  the  letter  the  spiritual  injunction 
and  example  of  Sarah,  who  called  Abraham  Lord  (Do- 
minus).  A  swarm  of  children  were  round  the  table -not 
like  olive  plants,  but  more  like  Dutch  cabbage's,  so  round 
in  their  bodies ;  and  what  struck  Clarence  as  remarkable, 
they  all  had  the  Latin  terminations  to  their  names,  Jo- 
hannes, Wilhelmus,  Martinus.  If  his  ideas  of  the  ancient 
classics  underwent  a  change,  as  he  looked  into  the  faces  of 
these  young  colonists,  his  opinions  of  the  future  race,  taking 
these  young  rebels  as  a  sample,  were,  that  they  would  yet 
make  a  noise  in  the  world. 

Breakfast  over,  the  householder,  with  the  handle  of  his 
knife,  struck  the  cherry-table  three  times,  when  a  large  ebony 
wench  entered,  placing  a  heavy  clasped  Bible  before  him ; 
when  in  marched  such  a  drove  of  old  and  young  negroes, 
that  it  seemed  more  a  market-house  than  a  single  family 
Where  they  found  lodging  and  procured  food,  it  was  difficult 
to  guess.  The  whites  present  took  possession  of  the  seats,  :\t 
of  right;  while  all  the  blacks  squatted  down  on  the  floor, 
becoming  as  still  as  midnight,  while  the  father  and  the  piies** 
read  from  the  sacred  book  in  English ;  for  though  it  was  tlu 
Dutch  translation,  he  gave  it  in  the  other  tongue  freely,  r.o 
he  went  along.  He  read  the  forty-sixth  Psalm,  aud  wild,  «M 

13 


£90  THE   DUTCH    DOMTNIE. 

he  closed  the  book,  "this  was  the  favorite  portion  of  Luther, 
in  the  times  of  his  trouble.  These  are  times  of  trouble  in 
which  we  live.  We  need  the  same  comfort  and  defence. 
Let  us  seek  those  from  God.  He  then  offered  up  fervent 
petitions  in  the  two  languages  spoken  around  him.  There 
was  some  comfort  for  all  in  what  he  said.  Clarence  observed 
that  the  common  cause  of  the  country  was  not  overlooked. 
Defence  against  all  enemies  from  within  and  from  without ; 
nor  was  the  "guest  and  the  stranger"  passed  by,  when  the 
wish  was  expressed  that  this  "  youth  of  fair  countenance  and 
of  pleasant  speech  might  be  prospered  on  his  way,  if  he  had 
an  honest  heart  and  an  upright  purpose."  After  prayer, 
there  was  a  general  rush  for  the  door;  the  young  fry,  white 
and  black,  alike  eager  to  be  off,  and  away  from  restraint ; 
while  the  older  and  the  confidential  lingered  behind  for  a 
word  of  recognition,  or  for  orders  concerning  the  duties  of 
the  day  before  them.  The  Dominie  was  evidently  a  man  of 
large  business,  from  the  commands  he  issued  and  the  ques- 
tions he  asked.  Nor  were  these  ah1  about  farming  or  parish 
work ;  some  referred  to  public  business,  but  spoken  in  a  low 
tone,  which  told  the  guest  that  he  had  not  yet  obtained  the 
confidence  of  the  family,  nor  of  its  head. 

The  last  who  went  to  the  door  was  Tom,  who,  knowing 
that  all  was  not  right,  waited  behind,  like  a  good  soldier 
defending  his  rear  against  his  enemy. 

"You  were  out  at  Phoebe's  last  night,  you  rascal,  and 
had  Dick  with  you,"  was  the  pointed  accusation  of  the 
master. 

"  Lor,  massa,  who  tol'  you  ?  Me  covered  up  de  big  book, 
and  me  tought  it  could  no  speak  in  de  dark." 

"  I  can  see  in  the  dark,  you  rapscallion,  that  you  are. 
Get  your  back  bared.  Ten  stripes  with  the  raw  hide  will 
save  Dick  another  race  to  Phoebe's." 

Tom.  cast  his  jacket  at  once,  at  the  same  time  turning 
round  on  his  master,  saying,  "  Your  spook  see  dis  gentleman 
here  too  at  Aunt  Phoebe's  ?" 

Clarence,  who  had  not  been  an  unconcerned  spectator  of 
the  whole  scene,  became  now  an  eager  listener,  since  ho 
knew  the  cause  of  this  present  trouble  better  than  he  cared 
about. 

"  What  do  you  mean  '?"  said  the  enraged  master.  "  Do 
you  think  such  a  gentleman  as  this  seems  to  be,  would  stop 
at  such  a  bedlam  as  you  have  just  conie  from  ?" 

There  was  a  sharpness  in  the  tone  and  a  look  of  the  eye  in 


A   DUTCH   DOMINIE   AT   HOME.  29] 

tne  interrogator  that  made  Clarence  start,  and  wl  ich  sent  a 
look  of  fury  into  the  eye  of  the  culprit,  who  evidently  wished 
to  involve  the  young  man  in  the  same  trouble  with  himself; 
so  rising  from  his  seat,  he  held  out  the  letter  which  had  been 
given  to  him,  and  was  stepping  forward,  when  he  was  met 
by  the  reverend  gentleman  half  way,  who,  with  great  dignity 
of  manner,  held  out  his  hand,  saying : 

"You  have  some  commands  for  me,  I  suppose,  sir  ?  Excuse 
me  while  I  dispose  of  this  business;"  and  with  that,  he 
informed  the  impudent  Tom  that  he  might  look  out  for  the 
full  payment  of  what  was  owing  to  him,  before  he  went  to 
bed,  unless  something  occurred  that  would  make  atonement 
for  the  doings  of  last  night.  "  Look  out."  And  taking  the 
whip  he  held  in  his  hand,  he  gave  it  a  swing,  which  made  the 
snapper  spring,  so  that  Tom  made  a  pair  of  clean  heels  for 
once  in  his  life. 

"  Sit  down,  sir,"  said  the  good  master.  "  I  see  that  this 
letter  is  from  my  worthy  brother  of  Sopus.  Dreadful  times 
these ;  wicked  devils,  these  red-coats.  Unprovoked  outrage. 
It  would  give  them  no  more  than  they  deserve,  if  every  one 
engaged  in  that  act  were  hung  over  these  houses  on  a  grid- 
iron. Yesterday,  too,  setting  that  good  man's  house  on  fire. 
Poor  Martin  Schuyler.  Savages,  all  of  them.  Gentlemen  ! 
Devils !" 

Ah1  this  sent  forth  in  fierce  objurgations,  as  he  read  the 
letter,  which,  for  aught  Clarence  knew,  was  telling  the  pas- 
sionate Dominie  how  he  had  been  engaged  during  the  night 
of  the  Sopus  raid.  From  the  interjectional  sounds  that  came 
out,  it  was  plain  that  the  Dominie  was  in  no  good  mood. 
He  had  more  of  the  magistrate  in  his  look  than  the  minister 
of  religion.  Rising,  he  said  with  severe  authority,  "  Your 
business  will  require  consideration ;  and  as  there  are  a  great 
many  things  to  be  done  to-day,  we  will  dispense  with  youi 
presence  till  we  have  more  time." 

With  this,  he  opened  the  door,  when  they  were  met  in  the 
hah1  by  one  of  his  parishioners,  inquiring  if  the  Dominie 
had  made  "  up  the  salve  for  Aunt  Nelly's  foot/'  It  was 
handed  to  him  in  a  small  box.  Clarence  saw  inscribed  on  it : 
"To  be  well  rubbed  in;  and  this  will  cure  with  God's 
blessing." 

"  A  droll  mixture,"  said  the  young  Englishman.  "  This 
man  is  a  minister,  master,  magistrate,  doctor,  and  if  I  may 
judge  by  my  being  sent  to  him,  he  is  captain  of  theKaatskiil 
"hig  militia.  But  I  doubt  very  much  if  he  serves  me  and 


iud£ 
Wh 


292  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

ray  cause.  Like  his  salve,  I  must  be  well  rubbed  ;  and  the 
cure  will  come  with  God's  blessing — all  chance.  My  notion 
is,  to  bribe  some  one  as  a  guide,  and  flee  to  the  mountains, 
trusting  myself  to  Brandt,  claiming  his  aid  as  an  officer  in 
the  king's  service." 

With  these  half-formed  plans  in  his  mind,  he  left  the 
presence  of  the  Dominie,  wandering  he  knew  not  whither, 
but  every  now  and  then  recurring  to  the  idea,  of  escaping  to 
the  hills.  But  it  was  not  long  before  he  perceived  that  that 
would  be  a  difficult  matter,  for  it  did  not  seem  to  him  that 
he  was  for  one  moment  out  of  the  sight  of  Tom,  or  of  some 
one  else  that  he  had  seen  with  Tom.  At  last  the  thought 
darted  across  his  mind,  "I  am  watched.  They  suspect  me, 
arid  that  vagabond  is  the  spy." 


BOOK  III. 

BURGOYNE'S   FAILURE; 

BKINO 

THE     REVELATION    OF     SECRET     CAUSES 
UNNOTICED  BY  THE  GREAT   HISTORIANS   OF  THE  TIME. 


BOOK  III. 


THE  real  object  of  Vaughan's  expedition  to  the  north  was, 
If  possible,  to  form  a  junction  with  Burgoyne,  who  was  now 
hard  beset  at  Saratoga.  All  that  was  known  of  that  daring 
commander's  movements  at  the  south,  made  the  king's  friends 
despair  of  his  success.  The  communication  between  these  two 
extreme  points  of  operation  was  entirely  cut  off;  and  he  Avho 
was  willing  to  become  the  forlorn  hope  of  the  army,  was 
regarded  by  the  one  side  as  a  spy  and  by  the  other  as  a  hero. 
Messenger  after  messenger  was  thus  dispatched  and  caught, 
and  still  another  went  for  help  as  their  fate  still  remained  in 
suspense,  till  it  led  in  some  instances  to  desperation.  He 
was  ready  at  length  for  any  deceit  or  scheme,  bearing  the 
least  semblance  of  feasibility.  Once  succeed  in  getting  his 
spies  below  Albany,  with  the  river  on  one  side  and  the 
mountains  on  the  other,  and  what  was  to  hinder  their  commu- 
nicating either  with  Brandt  or  with  Vaughan  in  time  to  let 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  know  his  position  and  obtain  his  aid. 
Having  recently  come  ah1  the  way  from  Canada,  a  journey 
over  the  Kaatsbergs,  keeping  back  by  the  Round  Top, 
seemed  to  him  an  easy  thing:  nor  were  there  wanting  gallant 
men  willing  to  undertake  the  risk,  at  the  command  of  such  a 
chief.  How  far  their  judgment  was  well  informed  or  how 
well  people  of  the  country  met  these  plans,  must  be  left  to 
our  history. 


CHAPTER  I. 


A   PRISONER  IN    DISGUISE,    BEFORE  A   TRIBUNAL   IN   DISGUISE, 

"  Boddilcins,  Master  Page,  though  I  be  old  and  of  the  peace,  if  I  see  a  swoid  out,  my 
fingers  itch  to  make  one  ;  though  we  are  justices  and  doctors  and  churcnmen,  Master 
Page,  we  have  some  salt  of  our  youth  in  us :  we  are  the  sons  of  women,  Master 
Page." — JUSTICE  SHALLOW. 

CLARENCE  CLINTON,  whom  we  left  in  a  state  of  uncertainty, 
politely  bowed  out  of  doors,  and  yet  not  at  freedom,  felt  it 
hard  thus  to  submit.  He  fretted  himself  wishing  a  thousand 
times  that  he  had  insisted  on  being  taken  up  at  once  to  the 
camp  of  Brandt.  That  being  now  impossible,  he  at  length 
resolved  to  follow  the  current  of  events.  So,  composing  his 
feelings  as  he  best  could,  he  set  about  diverting  his  mind  by 
observing  what  was  new  to  him. 

It  was  evident  from  the  unusually  large  number  of  people 
seen  in  so  small  a  village,  that  something  of  importance  was 
about  taking  place.  Following  the  current,  he  was  landed 
at  the  church  door,  where  was  a  motley  assemblage ;  such 
as  he  never  supposed  existed  in  this  Province.  He  always 
knew  that  in  a  colony,  there  must  be  brought  together  a 
peculiar  people,  different  from  those  of  the  mother  country ; 
but  he  had  not  dreamed  of  meeting  such  a  foreign  looking 
race,  except  in  some  country  entirely  different  from  old  Eng- 
land. Looking  at  them  merely  on  the  outside,  his  impres- 
sions were  partial ;  for  he  found  a  fairer  representation  of  the 
Saxon  race,  than  he  at  first  saw.  Here  the  substratum  was 
indeed  Dutch,  as  their  speech  proved,  and  also  their  dress. 
Some  New  Englanders,  lank  and  sharp  in  features,  were 
standing  in  the  midst  of  little  groups  to  whom  they  were 
holding  forth  upon  the  affairs  of  the  country  at  large,  and 
others  of  them  discussing  some  particular  point  of  policy, 
when  direct  reference  was  made  to  the  late  attack  upon  their 
neighbors;  and  what  was  best  to  be  done  both  for  their  de- 
fence and  for  vengeance. 

What  surprised  Clarence  most  of  all,  was  the  mixture  of 
those  naturally  belonging  to  the  country  with  both  English 

13*  »: 


298  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIK. 

and  Scottish  born  subjects  of  King  George.  This,  which  be- 
came to  his  inquiring  mind  matter  of  great  interest,  was  fol- 
lowed up ;  and  he  learned  from  different  sources,  that  one  rea- 
son of  there  being  so  many  classes,  arose  from  the  fact  that  after 
the  old  French  war  the  regiment  of  Scotch,  which  was  dis- 
banded at  Albany,  remained  for  the  most  part  in  the  colony  ; 
and  that  a  company  of  them,  under  Captain  Salisbury,  settled 
on  these  flats,  retaining  their  habits  and  their  dress :  for  in 
the  assemblage  met  that  day,  Clarence  saw  the  Highland 
philibeg,  that  garb  of  old  Gaul,  which  is  so  picturesque  in 
the  neighborhood  of  hills,  and  recalling  all  the  romantic  asso- 
ciations of  the  ancient  class  of  Caledonia,  he  could  imagine 
himself  near  the  Grampian  hills.* 

While  this  gathering  was  to  our  adventurer  the  subject 
alike  of  study  and  wonder,  he  noticed  a  face  among  them 
like  one  that  he  had  seen  in  a  dream.  He  puzzled  his  mind 
trying  to  recall  some  name  that  he  might  attach  to  it,  but 
in  vain.  He  viewed  it  in  every  possible  light  in  profile  and 
direct ;  and  while  in  each  fresh  light  glimpses  satisfied  him 
that  he  had  known  the  man  in  some  other  place,  he  still  was 
at  a  loss  to  give  him  a  locality  in  past  history.  Tall,  thin 
and  wan  in  his  appearance,  it  was  evident  that  he  was  not  in 
the  spot  to  which  he  belonged.  His  dress  was  buckskin 
below  and  a  small  cloak  thrown  over  his  shoulders  which 
nearly  hid  a  coat  of  homespun  grey.  He  stood  high  in  his 
stout  shoes,  under  a  cap  of  bearskin ;  to  which  was  added  a 
beard  that  seemed  to  be  but  a  part  of  the  same  animal's  fur, 
cut  from  its  neck.  As  his  eye  wandered  around  the  crowd 
as  if  searching  for  some  one,  it  fastened  at  last  on  Clarence,  so 
searchingly  that  the  young  man  found  the  blood  rising  to  his 
eyes ;  and  he  was  about  to  go  forward  and  demand  an  explana- 
tion, when  he  was  called  aside  with  a  slight  tap  on  the  shoulder 
by  one  that  he  knew  to  be  an  officer  in  his  majesty's  service ; 
but  who  had  been  taken  prisoner  six  months  before  in  an  at- 
tack upon  Fort  Washington.  The  greeting  on  both  sides  was 
warm  but  silent,  for  both  saw  at  once  the  necessity  of  prudence. 

"  Clinton,"  said  the  officer,  "  why  in  the  name  of  all  thai  is 
good,  are  you  here  ?" 

"  May  I  not  ask  of  you  the  same  thing  ?"  said  Clarence, 
"  You  seem  to  be  in  the  bear's  den,  and  so  near  the  mouth, 
one  might  think  escape  was  desirable." 

"  Oh,"  said  the  other,  "  I  am  here  on  my  parole  of  honor 

*  The  late  Wilhelmus  Sehuneman,  Esq.,  gave  tho  author  this  description. 


A   PRISONKK   IN   DISGUISE.  299 

and  must  run  my  chances  of  exchange.     There  are  ten  of  us 
here  among  these  boors.* 

"  Pray,"  said  Clarence,  "  is  that  one  of  your  set  there  with 
the  rough  cap  ?  Look  cautiously  around,  for  he  is  watching 
us,  and  his  eyes  seem  as  if  they  would  search  me  through. 
I  am  sure  he  is  an  Englishman,  and  I  am  confident  of  having 
seen  him  somewhere  in  my  travels." 

Clarence's  companion,  by  changing  his  place,  fixed  his  eye 
on  the  unknown,  but  declared  that  though  he  must  know 
that  pale  face  well,  yet  he  had  never  seen  him  before  in 
this  region ;  and  he  could  only  conjecture  that  he  must  be 
some  one  in  disguise  looking  around  him  for  sport,  like 
others  present.  This  was  said  to  draw  out  the  stranger  he 
was  talking  to ;  but  Clarence  merely  said  he  had  business, 
which  he  was  afraid  gentlemen  on  their  parole  durst  not 
undertake,  saying  at  the  same  time,  in  a  whisper,  "  we  are 
watched,  and  must  separate  for  the  present." 

"Well,  we  must  of  course;  but,"  said  the  other,  "I  will 
gather  our  friends  together,  and  we  will  keep  ourselves  on  the 
alert  lest  anything  befall  you.  Let  MARGAKET  be  our  word  ;" 
and  with  that  the  two  parted  to  different  sides  of  the  Assembly. 

Clarence  thought  it  best  to  mix  with  the  colonists ;  and 
stepping  up  to  one  who  had  the  look  of  an  Englishman, 
though  dressed  in  the  fashion  of  the  common  people  of  the 
country,  he  saluted  him  so  that  it  became  a  sufficient  intro 
duction. 

*'  Is  something  of  importance  about  to  be  transacted  here 
to-day  ?"  was  the  young  Englishman's  first  inquiry. 

"Yes,  sir,"  was  the  courteous  reply.  "  One  of  Burgoyne's 
messengers  has  been  caught  on  the  road  from  Albany,  on  her 
way  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  whose  vessel  is  now  at  the  mouth 
of  the  creek." 

"  It  is  a  lady  then  ?"  said  the  inquirer,  with  some  pertur- 
bation of  mind  that  almost  betrayed  him. 

"  It  is  a  woman  at  any  rate ;  as  to  her  being  a  lady  is 
another  thing.  We  are  not  accustomed  to  calling  spies 
iadies."  This  was  said  with  a  sneer,  not  to  be  mistaken ;  and 
for  a  hint  from  his  new  acquaintance. 

"  She  is  to  be  tried,"  he  continued,  "just  now  before  the 
Consistory.  She  is  a  young  woman,  and  very  beautiful ; 
above  the  common  manners,  and,  perhaps,  a  lady.  But  here 
comes  the  Dominie,  who  will  worm  out  her  secret.  You 

*  This  is  given  on  the  same  authority. 


300  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

asked,  I  think,  if  this  was  a  court  to  try  such  cases.  No, 
not  in  law,  but  though  the  Dominie  be  no  squire  himself,  he 
always  sits  on  the  bench ;  for  he  knows  more  than  all  the 
squires  between  Sopus  and  Albany,  and  rules  them  by  his 
little  finger,  and  a  nod  of  his  cocked  hat. 

Clarence  had  not  asked  for  this  information,  for  he  under- 
stood it  from  experience,  and  was  prepared  to  hear  sentiments 
like  these  from  one  who  spoke  more  like  an  Englishman  than 
a  Dutchman,  though  he  was  evidently  a  colonist. 

"  I  perceive  that  you  are  an  Englishman,"  said  Clarence, 
"  and  are  smiling  at  the  power  of  this  court  to  try  a  spy,  as 
you  say  the  lady  is  ?" 

"  No,  sir,  not  English  bom.  My  father,  after  the  fighting 
at  Lake  George,  in  the  French  war,  gave  up  his  commis- 
sion and  received  a  large  tract  of  land  on  which  he  settled, 
along  with  his  company.  "We  are  most  of  us  the  sons  of 
those  men.  The  Scotch  are  clannish,  and  so  you  perceive  a 
great  many  of  that  nation,  though  the  greater  part  of  them 
were  so  loyal  that  they  could  not  live  where  the  king's 
power  did  not  extend,  and  have  removed  to  Canada.  Those 
here  now  are  most  of  them  true  to  their  country,  though  they 
stiffly  keep  to  their  religion  and  their  dress  ;  eating  oatmeal, 
and  living  in  houses  on  the  earthen  floor,  where  they  drink 
oceans  of  whisky,  to  '  keep  the  cauld  out  of  their  banes.'  " 

"  Ah !"  said  Clarence,  "  those  men  with  the  kilt  and  the 
hose.  A  fine  country  for  highlanders." 

*'  Tell  me  here,"  said  the  colonist,  "  who  you  are,  as  you 
seem  to  be  an  entire  stranger  ?"  a  new  thought  having 
entered  his  mind.  He  looked  right  into  the  eyes  of  Clarence 
for  an  answer. 

"  I  have  a  case  before  the  reverend  Consistory,"  was  the 
ready  reply,  "  and  I  am  waiting  till  they  meet.  Are  not 
those  the  members  who  have  entered  in  at  present  ?"  With 
that  Clarence  went  in  with  the  rest,  and  took  a  seat  in  a 
large  square  pew  that  was  made  to  contain  a  whole  family, 
from  the  full  bottomed  vrow,  down  to  the  round  dumpling 
of  the  large  dozen,  common  in  those  good  old  times,  when 
children  were  like  pumpkins  round  about  the  house.  His 
new  acquaintance,  whose  name  he  found  was  Salisbury,  sat 
next  to  him,  and  was  all  alive  to  the  business  of  the  occasion. 
Suspicion  of  Clarence's  business  had  induced  him  to  take  this 
seat,  as  if  he  meant  to  watch  him.  Nor  was  Clarence 
unaware  of  the  suspicion. 

The  Consistory  was  called  to  order  by  the  Dominie,  \v  ho 


A   PKISONEK   IN   DISGUISE.  301 

sat  as  president.  He  offered  prayer  longer  than  might  be 
necessary.  Patriotic  sentiments  prevailed,  the  recent  devas- 
tation was  referred  to,  and  the  abduction  of  two  members, 
worthy  of  their  place,  was  mourned  over,  and  petitions 
offered  on  their  behalf.  Sympathy  for  the  distressed  drew 
out  sobs  and  tears  from  the  multitude,  and  a  fierce  sighing, 
like  a  surging  wind,  ran  through  the  whole  house  when  the 
good  man,  in  the  style  of  one  that  chants  pathetically, 
exclaimed,  "  Our  country  is  desolate,  our  cities  are  burned 
with  fire,  our  land  strangers  devour,  and  is  overthrown  by 
strangers,  and  the  daughter  of  Zion  is  left  like  a  cottage  in 
a  vineyard,  as  a  lodge  in  a  garden  of  cucumbers,  as  a 
besieged  city." 

It  seemed  to  the  intruder  that  every  eye  in  the  congre- 
gation was  turned  to  the  place  where  he  sat,  so  that  he  felt 
a  secret  wish  of  sinking  down  into  the  ground  out  of  sight. 
It  was  truly  the  case  that  the  Dominie  had  an  earthly  mo- 
tive in  this  prayer.  He  took  heaven  by  violence  so  that  this 
British  soldier  might  carry  back  a  good  report.  This,  said 
the  man  of  faith  to  himself,  will  do  more  to  make  our  ene- 
mies quail  than  a  discharge  of  artillery. 

"Call  te  prisoner,"  said  the  officer  who  sat  beside  the 
reverend  man  that  he  might  be  benefited  by  his  counsel.  It 
was  a  semi-sacred,  semi-civil  court.  Indeed,  the  squire  was 
one  of  the  Consistory,  as  the  pastor  always  took  good  care 
that  he  should  have  his  hand  felt  in  all  his  parish.  Nor  did 
this  mongrel  court  appear  so  much  out  of  character  to 
Clarence,  who  had  seen  the  clergy  of  England  sitting  at 
quarter  sessions  in  their  canonicals,  trying  the  poacher  and 
the  vagrant.  The  suspense  of  the  stranger  who  had  heard 
of  a  woman  being  arrested,  who  was  described  as  beautiful, 
and  of  superior  breeding,  when  he  saw  the  prisoner  brought 
In,  was  great,  but  he  was  soon  relieved  from  his  fears  when 
the  lady,  who  was  unknown  to  him,  stepped  forward  freely, 
and  made  her  obeisance  to  the  chief  man  on  the  bench.  The 
Dominie  wore  his  three-cornered  hat,  a  flowing  wig  of  three 
*tories,  newly  powdered,  and  long  white  bands  that  lay  upon 
his  capacious  chest,  so  that  he  was  an  awful  spectacle  in  the 
eyes  of  his  parishioners,  and  of  the  whole  African  population  ; 
but  the  lady  was  nothing  daunted  by  the  sight. 

"  Who  he  you  ?  Vat  be  your  name  ?  Eride  vere  do  you 
come  fraem  ?"  said  Squire  Van  Bergen,  who  was  a  roal  peace- 
ful common-sense  looking  man  of  fifty-five,  or  about  that  age. 

"You  ought  to  know  who  I  are,  and  should  have  sotno 


#02  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

knowledge  of  where  I  am  from  before  you  venture  to  inter 
rupt  travellers  on  the  king's  road." 

This  was  said  by  the  lady  with  some  tartness,  as  if  she 
really  felt  herself  to  be  the  injured  party.  She  stopped  short 
in  her  speech,  and  watched  the  effect  of  her  reply  upon  her 
inquisitor  ;  whose  brains  were  confounded  by  the  hardihood 
of  the  woman  whom  he  expected  would  have  soon  sunk  un- 
der the  question  he  put  to  her.  But  the  Dominie  whispered 
something  in  the  ear  of  the  legal  functionary,  when  he  again 
woke  up,  saying : 

"  Mataam,  de  country  vants  vatching,  ende  you  were  trav- 
ellin'  py  yourself,  and  you  must  tell  vere  you  pe  come  fraim  ; 
ende  veder  you  pe  goin',  elz  ve  vill  put  you  in  de  close  up 
once." 

There  was  meaning  in  these  words  ;  and  though  they  were 
said  with  one  leg  thrown  over  the  other,  and  the  arms  rest- 
ing on  the  knees,  yet  they  were  firmly  said,  and  the  prisoner 
saw  too  well,  that  it  would  be  vain  attempting  to  carry  these 
men  by  storm.  So  putting  on  her  sweetest  manner,  she 
said  in  the  softest  tones,  "  You  surely  do  not  suppose  that  a 
lady  could  in  any  way  endanger  a  country  where  there  are 
so  many  brave  men  to  defend  it?"  and  with  that  she  gave  a 
look  around  her,  on  the  faces  of  the  spectators,  who  were 
really  flattered  by  her  allusions  to  their  courage.  The  lady 
showed  to  Clarence  great  moral  energy ;  and  she  was  evi- 
dently wound  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  excitement ;  and  as 
her  eye  for  an  instant  rested  on  that  of  Clarence,  he  almost 
forgot  himself,  and  felt  ready  to  throw  prudence  to  the 
winds,  and  plant  himself  by  her  side  as  her  defender.  He 
was  recalled  to  sense  by  the  squire  asking: 

"  Mataam,  vere  you  de  pearer  of  public  dispatches  dat  you 
must  pe  alone  on  de  vay  ?" 

"You  do  not  mean,"  said  the  prisoner,  "  that  the  good 
people  in  this  Christian  land,  with  such  good  men  for  their 
pastors,  are  such  savages  that  a  lady  cannot  go  alone  where 
she  pleases  ?" 

She  said  this  looking  straight  into  the  Dominie's  face,  as  if 
he  was  the  one  to  answer  that  question  which  involved  his 
calling  and  responsibility.  Nor  was  she  disappointed,  for 
that  earnest  man  was  only  waiting  for  the  chance  of  taking 
up  the  case  himself,  since  he  saw  plainly  that  the  woman  was 
too  much  for  his  honest  elder,  the  squire. 

"  There  are  savages  in  the  land,"  said  the  Dominie,  "  but 
they  do  the  bloody  work  of  their  own  master  " 


A    PRISONER   IN    DISGUISE.  303 

"  You  mean,"  said  she,  artfully  misconstruing  his  allusion, 
"  that  I  have  nothing  to  fear  from  the  inhabitants  of  thia 
place." 

"  Nothing  if  your  own  intentions  be  good.  We  are  more 
afraid  of  serpents  than  we  are  of  savages.  There  are  both 
around  at  this  time." 

"  I  have  heard,  reverend  sir,  for  so  I  esteem  you,  that  the 
fierce  Mohawk  has  been  near,  but  surely  you  do  not  perceive 
in  me  any  resemblance  to  that  monster?" 

"  There  are  painted  Jezebels,  more  cruel  than  Brandt, 
madam.  But  we  have  no  time  to  parley.  Are  you  the  bearer 
of  any  message  to  our  enemy  now  on  the  river  ?  Answer  if 
you  be,  that  we  may  get  through  with  your  business  at  once." 

This  was  said  with  a  sternness  which  could  not  be  set 
aside,  and  which  had  the  effect  of  rousing  up  the  feelings  of 
the  assembly  to  a  nervous  intensity,  so  that  a  pin  dropped 
could  have  been  heard  as  she  answered : 

"  How  should  I  be  the  bearer  of  a  message  in  a  country 
watched  by  a  thousand  eyes  at  every  step  ?  If  your  gal- 
lantry be  equal  to  your  appearance  as  a  gentleman  and  a 
Christian  minister,  you  will  order  my  immediate  release." 

"  Madam,"  said  the  dignified  man,  as  he  rose  in  his  seat, 
"  your  evasion  and  your  appeal  to  our  chivalry  will  not  avail 
with  us.  Do  you  know  aught  of  this  cup  ? 

At  this,  a  silver  cup  of  rare  workmanship  was  produced, 
and  placed  before  the  prisoner ;  when  a  slight  shade  of  red 
which  showed  her  chagrin  more  than  any  shame,  passed 
over  her  fine  but  rather  bold  countenance ;  but  recovering 
herself,  she  said,  "  Supposing  that  I  do  know,  you  surely  do 
not  expect  me  to  say  anything  that  would  criminate  myself." 

"  Dat's  de  law,"  said  the  squire,  edging  in  a  word  ;  "  budt 
once  vere  did  you  hidedis  cup  lastnicht  before  de  lads  found 
tee  ?" 

At  this  point  in  the  investigation  a  young  man  stepped  up 
to  the  Dominie,  whispering  in  his  ear,  and  at  the  same  time 
putting  a  small  parcel  into  his  hand.  This  was  immediately 
produced,  and  turned  out  to  be  a  large  silver  hunting  watch, 
with  a  silver  face,  to  which  a  gold  chain  and  seals  of  several 
kinds  were  attached.  This  rare  timepiece  excited  universal 
attention,  ana  diverted  the  minds  of  the  spectators  from  the 
lady.  Clarence  took  occasion  to  mark  the  movements  of  her 
lips  and  the  corners  of  her  mouth,  which,  notwithstanding 
her  resolute  will,  showed  her  mortification.  She  lifted  a 
wooden  cup  filled  with  water,  that  she  had  asked  for  soon 
after  sne  came  in,  and  took  a  sip  of  it,  find  this  she  did  the 


304  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

whole  time,  showing  that  her  coolness  was  more  affected  than 
real. 

"  Stan'  up,  Hanchy,"  said  the  squire,  "  ende  tak'  your  oat' 
dat  tee  vill  tell  de  trut',  de  whole  trut'  at  de  day  of  judg- 
ment." 

"  Vere  did  you  find  de  vatch  here  once  ?"  was  the  first 
question. 

"  Near  the  place  where  we  found  the  silver  cup." 

"  Ende  de  vere  vas  dat  ?" 

"  Where  we  found  this  woman." 

"  Ende  vere  did  you  find  de  voman  ?" 

*'  I  told  you  all  about  it  this  morning,"  said  the  great  lout, 
who  did  not  understand  the  object  for  which  he  was  brought 
there.  The  Dominie,  who  was  provoked  beyond  all  endu- 
rance, rose  in  his  seat,  storming  at  the  wimess  in  such  a  way 
as  would  have  driven  all  the  brains  out  of  ten  dolts  like  him  ; 
and  ordered  him  to  tell  his  story  as  he  had  told  it  to  him  that 
morning.  "  And  see  that  you  stand  on  both  your  legs  at 
once,  and  keep  your  nose  there  from  snifting  like  old  Egbert 
Bogardus'  yellow  mare  hi  the  spring  grass." 

His  story  was  a  long  rigmarole,  amounting  to  a  few  facts. 
He  and  another  of  the  same  squad  had  been  out  sparking, 
when  they  overtook  on  their  way  home  something  that  they 
took  at  first  sight  to  be  a  SPOOK,  sitting  by  the  road-side.  It 
turned  out  to  be  this  woman.  She  made  inquiry  after  some 
one,  whom  the  Dominie  forbade  him  to  name.  They  sus- 
pected her  to  be  of  the  Tory  side,  from  the  person  she  in- 
quired after.  Pretending  to  take  her  where  she  wished  to 
go,  they  took  her  to  a  genuine  Whig's  house,  and  left  her. 
Thinking  that  she  had  fallen  among  her  own  class,  she 
directed  them  where  they  would  find  a  small  bundle,  which, 
instead  of  taking  back  to  her,  they  put  into  the  hand  of  the 
squire,  who  in  duty  bound  consulted  the  chief  man,  and 
hence  this  investigation. 

"  This,"  said  the  Dominie,  "  is  a  valuable  timepiece.  I 
»ee  here  marked  on  the  inside  of  it  a  name  that  n;  one  in 
this  colony,  of  the  true  blood,  has  any  cause  for  loving— 

4  Bl'RGOYXE.'  "  * 

At  the  announcement  of  this  name,  which  the  Domini* 
said  was  engraven  on  the  inside  of  the  case,  a  general  bu/z  ran 
through  the  house,  which  went,  mrther  into  the  heart  of 
the  prisoner  than  anything  that  had  occurred  hitherto,  a* 
she  evidently  feared  that  the  crowd  would  take  the  law 

*  Such  a  timepiece,  marked  "  Burgoyne,"  and  a  cup,  as  here  described, 
oame  to  light  about  twentv  voars  ao-o. — D.  11 


A.   PRISONER   IST   DISGUISE.  305 

into  their  hands,  and  make  quick  work  with  her  at  the  duck- 
ing tub  ;  for  the  name  of  Burgoyne  was  as  famous  for  looso 
morals  as  for  the  owner's  enmity  to  the  colonists  ;  and  in  a 
place  where  a  vile  woman  was  a  baser  object  than  a  vile 
man,  Jezebel  would  be  as  likely  to  suffer  some  penalty  as 
King  Ahab. 

Silence  was  shouted  by  the  Dominie.  "  Have  you  no 
manners,  nor  regard  for  law,  that  you  look  like  a  set  of  bar- 
barians, about  to  eat  a  woman  up  alive  ?  A  precious  bite 
you  would  have  in  your  mouths,  rolling  it  like  a  sweet  morsel 
under  your  tongue.  Dick  Overbagh,  you  great  gomeiil, 
take  your  seat." 

Quiet  being  restored,  the  examination  of  the  watch  was 
continued.  The  case  was  opened  and  shut  twenty  times,  the 
woman's  eye  following  every  movement.  He  stopped,  shut 
it  up  again,  weighed  it  on  his  fingers,  drawing  the  seals 
through  his  hand,  as  if  satisfied;  and  seemingly  was  about  to 
hand  it  back  to  the  late  possessor.  Clarence  had  marked 
her  features  during  movements,  and  saw  evidently  her  eager- 
ness to  be  through  with  the  whole.  When  the  Dominie 
made  as  if  he  would  hand  it  back  to  her,  he  perceived  such  a 
sudden  gleam  of  pleasure  that  he  was  sure  it  meant  relief; 
for  lie  drew  his  hand  back,  saying,  "  We  will  give  it  one  more 
trial."  Clarence  really  thought  it  cruel  in  the  man  to  torture 
her  by  this  tantalizing  movement,  for  the  blood  rushed  sud- 
denly to  her  heart,  through  this  unexpected  disappointment ; 
and  she  sat  down,  holding  her  hands  so  that  her  chin  might 
rest  upon  them,  as  if  saying,  "  I  will  see  the  worst  of  it,  and 
defy  you." 

The  Lcj-uen  student  had  not  dug  for  Hebrew  roots  in  vain. 
To  the  search  he  went  again,  knowing  now  surely  in  his  own 
mind  that  something  was  here,  and  of  value.  He  went  over 
the  whole  surface  with  his  thumb  nail,  pressed  upon  every 
place  he  suspected  ;  when  at  last  he  did  touch  a  spring,  which 
revealed  a  double  case,  within  which  there  lay  carefully  a 
small  bit  of  paper,  bearing  the  words  : 

"  De  ape  decidere." 

"  Read  this,"  he  said,  with  a  smile.  "  What  does  this 
mean  ?" 

"  Nay,  nay,  Dominie  ;  that  is  for  you  to  read  and  explain, 
who  are  the  only  man  of  learning  here."  This  seemed  to  be 
said  by  all,  for  no  one  would  have  said  less  of  a  student  from 
Leydeu,  and  a  Dominie. 


S06  THE  DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  *  We  have  lost  all  hope.'  God  grant  that  it  may  be  so," 
was  the  fervent  saying  of  the  reverend  man,  as  he  translated 
the  inscription  on  the  secret  missive. 

"  What  is  meant  by  that,  Dominie  ?"  was  called  ou'  by 
twenty  voices  at  once. 

"  I  think  it  means  that  Bur" Before  he  could  return 

an  answer,  a  rush  of  men  to  the  door  bewildered  the  Domi- 
nie, and  all  around  him,  so  that  they  did  not,  for  a  few  mo- 
ments, know  Avhere  they  stood.  So  sudden  and  great  was 
the  alarm,  some  thought  one  thing,  and  some  another,  but  it 
was  evident  that  the  greater  part  supposed  that  Brandt  was 
surrounding  the  house.  The  pastor  here  showed  his  true 
courage.  Raising  his  voice  like  a  trumpet  in  the  place 
where  he  was  sure  to  be  heard  with  effect ;  he  cried  out : 

"  Shut  the  door,  and  bolt  it  there,  Jack  Pearce.  Stand 
firm.  Salisbury,  here,  leap  out  of  that  window,  and  rouse 
our  friends.  Now,  men,  stand  to  your  arms.  Here,  Captain 
Hallenbeck,  take  your  place  and  muster  your  men." 

The  Dominie  was  first  in  war  as  in  everything  else ;  nor  was 
he  behind  in  the  true  argument,  for  sitting  down,  he  delibe- 
rately took  out  a  pair  of  large  horse  pistols,  and  examined  them 
with  the  eye  of  one  who  knew  how  to  use  them.  The  whole 
Consistory  were  equally  well  armed,  while  the  men  in  the 
seats  were  lifting  up  guns  that  were  lying  safe  and  inno- 
cently beneath  their  pews,  and  began  shaking  fresh  powder 
into  their  pans  out  of  their  hunting-horns  with  something  of 
the  zest  of  those  who  watch  a  deer  lick. 

"  Look  well  to  your  flints,"  was  the  order  from  the  desk  ; 
"  and  when  you  see  the  first  signal  of  danger,  lie  down  till 
we  know  where  our  enemy  is  standing.  Spare  your  fire  till 
you  mark  your  man.  Some  of  you  climb  up  to  the  belfry 
and  snap  off  the  leaders." 

Here  the  squire,  who  had  descended  from  the  bench  and 
was  sitting  humbly  on  a  lower  seat,  remarked  loud  enough 
for  the  rest  to  hear  : 

"The  Dominie  might  hev  some  pity  on  himself,  ende 
hide  his  head  in  eene  koormaat." 

"  Nay,  nay  ;  the  bullet  has  not  been  cast  that  will  take  ms 
down,  squire  ;  I  have  as  much  fat  on  rny  ribs  as  will  hide  a 
dozen  pigeons'  eggs.  Come  up  beside  me  here,  and  let  us 
remember  how  our  two  brethren  of  the  Consistory  are  up  in 
the  mountain  there,  prisoners  of  that  heathen  Brandt.  Oh, 
how  I  would  like  to  tell  him,  and  his  Master  George,  that 
sent  him,  '  en  met  welke  mate  gij  meet  zul  u  jvedergemeten 


A    PRISONER    IN    DISGUISE.  '  307 

worden.'  For  the  benefit  of  these  who  do  not  know  our  good 
Dutch" — and  here  the  speaker  glanced  toward  the  eyes  of 
Clarence — let  me  give  it  in  English :  '  With  what  measure 
you  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  unto  you  again.' " 

By  this  time  the  cause  of  the  uproar  was  made  known. 
A  report  was  spreading  through  the  crowd  out  of  doors,  of 
Burgoyne's  defeat  at  Saratoga ;  and  as  a  multitude  are  never 
too  particular  in  trying  the  evidence  of  good  or  bad  news, 
they  shouted  so  loud  that  the  report  was  believed. 

"  Open  the  doors,"  cried  the  Dominie.  "  Three  cheers  for 
General  Gates  !  three  times  three  for  Washington !  Now  lor 
thanksgiving  to  the  Captain  of  Salvation." 

la  an  instant  that  uproarious  crowd  were  still  as  a  Sabbath 
assembly,  bending  their  uncovered  heads,  and  following  the 
voice  of  their  spiritual  guide,  as  he  led  them  to  the  footstool 
of  the  Great  Deliverer.  It  was  an  impressive  sight,  only  to 
be  seen  on  remarkable  occasions,  when  the  souls  of  earnest 
men  are  wound  up  f-o  the  highest  pitch  to  meet  a  danger, 
and  then  suddenly  to  be  throAvn  back  within  themselves,  to 
record  a  deliverance.  The  prayer  of  that  day  seomed  to 
Clarence  more  like  inspiration  than  anything  he  had  ever 
heard.  All  that  p»ssed  had  taken  them  so  completely  by 
storm,  that  even  h»%,  from  the  other  side,  could  not  refrain 
from  joining  in  the  rapture. 

After  they  begar  to  recover  themselves  from  their  ecstasy, 
one  and  another  o*"  them  asked,  "Where  is  the  woman  ?" 
"  Where  is  the  prisoner  ?"  "  Vere  is  de  lady  ?''  said  the  old 
Squire  ;  "  I  putt«»  down  mien  head  at  de  Dominie's  prayer, 
and  ven  it  over  sb*»  vas  avay."  Such  was  the  tale  they  ail 
told. 

"  Jake  Van  Deu?*r,  look  after  the  prisoner,"  said  the  real 
president  of  the  day }  "and  now  the  Consistory  is  adjourned 
till  after  dinner." 

With  that  all  left,  evidently  pleased  with  tho  doings 
of  the  morning,  but  exoecting  still  more  before  the  day 
was  over.  A  signal  tron»  the  leader  of  the  day  bi  ought 
Clarence  to  his  side,  whe»  b*  was  told  to  be  on  h.i/.ct  at  the 
hour  appointed. 

"  As  your  case  requires  boih  9*crecy  and  dispatch,  you  will 
see  that  nothing  comes  from  vou,  informing  any  oae  of  our 
meeting.  An  hour  after  noon,  at  the  mrsonage." 

The  emphasis  put  upon  the  word  sflvw.y,  told  painfully  on 
the  ear  of  the  young  man  ;  but  he  had  no  r*»*ourcu  left  but  to 
stand  it  through  to  the  end. 


THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER  H. 

A     MASQUERADE. 

M  There  is  drollery  under  the  blackest  face  ; 
Has  not  a  sackcloth  cloud  a  silver  lining  ?" 

THE  ELDER  BUBTOK. 

OUR  young  adventurer  went  out  from  the  presence  of  tha 
Dominie,  chewing  the  cud  of  bitterness.  He  felt  ready  for 
anything  that  might  open  for  him  a  way  of  escape.  He  was 
becoming  sure  that  the  meshes  of  a  plot  were  drawing  around 
him. 

"This  man,"  said  he  to  himself,  "  parson  or  judge,  is  a  fit 
executioner  for  that  mock  governor,  who  has  handed  me 
over,  through  the  other  parson  below  ;  and  I  am  fool  enough 
to  wait  here  till  he  has  time  to  put  the  rope  around  my 
neck." 

Here  he  looked  up  to  the  mountain,  and  saw  the  smoke 
that  rose  from  the  Indian's  camp,  where  he  was  sure  of  being 
well  received  ;  but  how  was  he  to  make  his  escape  without 
exciting  suspicion  ?  In  his  quandary  he  began  to  whistle, 
when  a  man  passing  him,  whispered  :  "  that  air  is  out  of  date 
in  this  region."  It  was  "  God  Save  the  King,"  a  tune  that 
had  become  treason  on  the  west  side  of  the  Atlantic.  So 
Clarence,  the  brave  soldier,  stopped  his  breath  as  if  he  had 
been  shot  by  the  same  air-pistol  which  was  tired  at  George 
III,  himself  on  his  way  to  Parliament. 

Strolling  on,  his  eye  was  attracted  to  a  strange-looking 
dwarf,  who  moved  before  him  in  the  manner  of  the  China 
images  of  the  London  tea-shops,  steadily  forward,  yet  shak- 
ing at  every  step,  as  if  it  must  be  the  last  before  a  fall.  So 
interested  did  his  study  of  the  creature  before  him  beco:n;', 
that  his  attention  was  completely  riveted.  We  can  guess 
what  his  astonishment  was,  when  on  his  right  hand,  tirst, 
there  rose  a  sharp  whisper,  "Follow  him,"  then  on  the  left 
hand,  a  still  sharper  call,  "  Follow  him,  he  has  something  to 
tell  you."  Clarence  could  not  help  looking  on  both  sides 
for  the  speakers,  but  there  were  none  on  either.  But  led  on 
as  he  felt  inclined,  he  stepped  after  the  dwarf  to  a  bridge  ; 
when  coming  up  over  the  right  hand  guard,  a  voice  dis- 


A   MASQUERADE. 

tinctly  said  :  "  Captain  Clinton  !"  Running  to  that  side,  tha 
amazed  passenger  looked,  seeing  nothing,  nor  any  one.  Per- 
suaded, however,  that  there  was  a  connection  between  the 
invisible  whisperer  and  this  visible  imp,  he  through  curiosity 
followed  on  till  he  came  to  a  small  tavern,  standing  by  a  mill, 
surrounded  by  a  few  houses,  built  of  red  and  yellow  brick. 
The  inn  had  a  low  stoop,  which  ran  along  its  front,  on  which 
were  forms  for  the  lazy  and  the  lame.  A  group  of  rnotlef 
gossip-mongers  were  all  around,  made  up  of  white,  black, 
yellow,  and  other  dingy  colors.  Dame  Krouse  kept  the  be?' 
of  "  Hollands  imported,"  as  she  said  on  her  sign-board  • 
though  her  negro  Tim,  a  great  braggart,  declared  that  h« 
was  a  "  better  brewer  than  the  bogs  of  Dutch  Irm'  'duced." 

The  different  groups  of  men  were  engaged  when  Clarence 
came  up  to  the  tavern  door,  according  to  their  tastes.  The 
grave  and  grey  men  Avere  discussing  the  late  trial,  and  others 
were  playing  at  quoits,  and  pitch  the  stone  ;  while  the  boya 
were  running  at  tag  and  leap-frog.  It  was  a  busy  place 
considering  the  size  of  the  small  hamlet.  Somehow  a  report 
had  gone  through  the  country,  that  an  affair  of  moment  de- 
manded the  presence  of  all  who  were  able-bodied,  and  with 
the  instinct  of  animal  nature,  they  came  where  the  carcass 
was.  Sopus  had  been  burned;  Brandt  was  on  the  moun- 
tain ;  and  Burgoyne  had  been  captured,  and  something  must 
be  done  at  home  to  prove  their  interest  in  the  public  weal ; 
even  the  young  fry  of  the  place  were  ranged  under  a  captain 
of  their  own  size  as  soldiers,  following  the  sound  of  an  old 
frying-pan,  which  a  thick-set  bare-headed  negro,  of  the  class 
simpleton,  was  beating  with  a  club,  in  imitation  of  a  bass 
drum. 

Our  adventurer  stepped  on  to  the  piazza  of  the  tavern, 
and  mixed  with  the  men  who  were  engaged  in  discussing  the 
affair  of  the  church  meeting.  It  was  plain  enough  that  a 
difference  of  opinion  existed  outside  the  Consistory,  notwith- 
standing the  apparent  acquiescence  in-doors,  concerning  the 
precognition  of  the  woman's  case,  that  morning  ;  nor  was 
the  Dominie  without  his  share  of  censure.  The  public  mind, 
always  severe  at  the  time  when  treason  is  ripe,  and  when 
fear  has  the  ascendency,  was  loud  against  the  woman  who 
carried  such  unmistakable  evidence  with  her  of  being  a  spy, 
and  of  holding  communication  between  Burgoyne's  army 
and  that  of  Clinton. 

"Did  na  ye  see  the  face  o'  the  limmer  when  the  minister 
put  the  question  to  her  ?  she  spoke  up  as  Lardy  as  you  like, 


310  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

Na,  I  thoclit  that  the  gude  man  himself  was  a  wee  bit 
bewitched,  else  he  would  na  been  sae  easily  bamboo/led  wi' 
the  pawky  quean." 

This  was  said  by  a  brawny  Scotchman,  who  held  in 
his  hand  a  pewter  cup,  filled  with  the  strongest  kind  of  cider- 
brandy,  which  he  sucked  up  with  a  zest  that  showed  his 
experience. 

"  Such  stuff  as  that  is  gude  enough  to  wet  one's  wizzan  in 
this  country,  where  you  canna  get  better ;  but,  man,  it'  I  had 
but  a  coggie  of  Glenlivat,  how  it  would  mak'  me  fidge  wi' 
fainness.  But  anent,  that  action  o'  the  minister's,  he  should 
b.ae  sent  the  jade  to  Albany." 

"  Donald  Grant,  you  are  always  finding  fault  with  the 
powers  that  be  ;  and  even  the  Dominie  cannot  escape  your 
rasping  tongue." 

This  was  said  sharply  by  a  small  man,  dressed  in  silver 
grey,  that  fitted  close  to  his  body,  and  though  worn  bare, 
was  carefully  brushed.  His  look  and  his  maaners  bore  evi- 
dence of  his  New  England  origin,  and  his  pedantic  speech 
spoke  him  to  be  of  the  pedagogue  order,  a  class  of  men  that 
have  done  much  to  leaven  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson  with 
the  love  of  learning,  and  who  had,  notwithstanding  the  repug- 
nance of  the  Dutch  to  all  the  Yankee  brood,  found  their 
way  among  them  as  peddlers,  pedagogues  and  singing- 
masters. 

"  Noo,  maister,"  said  Donald,  "  you  would  tell  me  that 
men  in  authority  should  be  respected,  and  my  nrither,  ;tye  said 
that  ministers  were  black  craws,  to  shoot  at ;  and  there's 
yoursel',  for  instance,  in  your  schule,  have  a  gude  right  to 
use  the  taws  in  makin'  your  words  be  enforced,  but  if  you 
wranged  my  callant  there,  I  would  lick  your  hide  out  here, 
till  you  were  black  and  blue.  Noo,  as  the  Dominie  himsc'l' 
says,  you  can  mak'  the  application  of  this  discourse  at  your 
leisure." 

"  I  am  not  going  to  contend  with  you,  Grant,  when  club- 
law  is  the  rule;  but  law  is  law,  and  must  be  obeyed.  T!ie 
men  that  administer  the  law  must  be  sustained,  else  where 
are  we  going  to  but  down-stream  ? — and  for  my  part  I  do  not 
value  a  man  more  than  a  tenpeuny  whittler,  who  does  not 
stand  by  the  law.  There  now,  something  is  going  on  among 
that  black  generation.  I  muse  look  after  these  imps  of 
Satan." 

"  Mind,  maister,  I'll  not  let  you  interfere  with  a  wee  bit 
fun,  for  I  like  it  o'er  weel  mysel'.  You  are  king  in  you! 


A   MASQUERADE.  311 

ain  dominion,  but  here  you  are  nae  mair  than  a  common 
man." 

"  Dat's  true,  Grant,"  said  a  rough-looking  native,  with  aa 
many  capes  on  his  coat  as  there  are  plies  on  a  tulip,  and 
whose  whole  exterior  was  homespun  in  a  figurative  and 
literal  sense ;  "  budt  de  same  ting  cannot  pe  said  ov  do 
Dominie,  who  is  a  great  man  every  place  he  goes." 

"  Oh,  you  need  na  mak  the  man  mair  than  mortel,  Myndert 
Overpaugh.  Set  him  down  on  a  rock,  with  a  spoon  in  his 
hau',  and  he  will  find  as  little  to  sup  as  the  smallest  o'  us  all." 
Grant  was  determined  to  find  fault,  and  his  spirit  was  up 
after  he  had  drank  a  second  cup  of  the  cider-brandy. 

"  That's  a  fact,  Grant,  the  Dominie  can  brag  well  enough 
on  the  bench  yonder,  when  he  has  got  all  the  congregation  to 
carry  out  his  will;  but  I  would  like  to  see  him  in  the 
woods  alone,  and  see  if  he  would  be  so  strong  as  he  pre- 
tends." 

"  Now,"  said  Grant,  "  I  will  not  let  any  man  say  a  word 
against  the  gude  man  in  his  absence,  mair  especially  against 
his  courage.  He  is  a  stoure  bodie,  and  there,  nae  later  thaii 
last  Saturday  nicht,  that  ne'er-do-well  Bob  Eltinge  and  his 
crony  the  smith,  were  determined  to  shoot  the  gude  man, 
between  this  and  Coxsackie.  They  hid  themselves  behind  a 
tree  in  the  woods,  and  lay  wi'  their  guns  ready  primed ;  but 
the  minute  that  they  saw  the  white  o'  the  Dominie's  een, 
they  fell  down  like  shot  doves,  and  let  him  pass.  That  proves, 
Bromie,  whatever  you  may  say  to  the  contraer,  that  nae 
man  should  lift  his  ban'  against  the  Lord's  anointed." 

By  this  time  the  party  had  entered  the  mill,  and  were 
mounting  to  the  loft,  to  which  Clarence  had  ascended  by  the 
rear,  unquestioned.  Sacks  of  gram  lay  around  the  large 
apartment,  and  on  these  sat  a  crowd  of  different  kinds  of 
people,  who  were  enjoying  greatly  some  sport  going  on  at 
the  upper  end  of  the  gallery.  Bags  of  the  wheat  had  been 
thrown  together,  so  as  to  form  a  platform  above  the  main 
floor.  On  these  were  nine  other  sacks,  which  served  as 
seats,  where  were  sitting  as  many  blacks,  dressed  in  their 
masters'  clothes,  which  they  had  borrowed  without  leave. 
The  middle  seat  had  on  it  one  dressed  in  the  true  outer  garb 
of  the  Dominie.  His  cocked  hat,  but  crushed  in  at  the  sides, 
his  coat,  but  rusty,  and  a  large  towel  tied  around  the  neck, 
fell  down  over  his  breast,  in  square  ends,  to  imitate  the 
Geneva  bands.  Four  on  the  right  hand,  and  as  many  en  the 
left,  represented  the  deacons  and  elders,  while  io  <,l 


312  TUK   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

stood  a  young  negro,  dressed  in  woman's  clothes.  A  faded 
silk  gown,  with  a  high  bonnet  held  up,  so  as  to  look  like  the 
high  knots  of  hair  fashionable  among  high-born  ladies. 

"  The  black  devils  that  they  are,"  said  the  man  of  books. 
"  What  a  faculty  they  have  lor  imitation.  Making  fun  they 
are  of  serious  things.  I  must  teach  them  Connecticut  man- 
ners ;"  and  here  he  was  about  to  act  the  part  of  select  man. 
when  Grant  spoke  out : 

"  You'll  do  nae  sic  thing  as  stop  the  masqueraud.  Let 
them  get  their  sport  out.  My  certie,  but  they  play  it  weel. 
Noo  be  quiet." 

The  mock  Dominie  called  out  in  tones  meant  as  imitation 
of  the  real  voice  : 

"  Dis  Consist' ry  come  to  order.     Squia,  perceed." 

The  man  called  the  "Squia"  had  on  spectacles  like  his 
model,  and  pen  and  ink  before  him,  as  if  prepared  to  take 
notes. 

"That's  intended  for  mockery  of  the  Consistory,"  said  the 
teacher,  "  and  shows  how  the  public  mind  is  exercised  upon 
that  trial  of  the  woman.  ,Hear  the  sham  Squire,  how  he 
questions  the  female  lady,  that  had  the  cup  in  her  sack." 

"  Ha  !  but  see  how  the  black  gipsy  tosses  her  head  there, 
imitating  the  white  liminer  in  the  kirk,  that  we  saw.  Her 
curls  swing  finely.  See  how  thae  blackamoors  jump  at  the 
sicht.  It's  perfect  pleasure  to  them.  But,  man,  what  a  noise 
they  mak'.  I  could  hear  it  frae  Cladich  to  Loch  Awe  on  a 
Halloween  nicht."  Here  Grant  was  getting  disgusted  with 
the  capers,  and  stepping  forward  himself  into  the  midst  of  the 
den,  he  lifted  up  a  stout  fellow  by  the  nape  of  the  neck  and 
the  seat  of  his  tubbs,  and  gave  him  a  few  slaps  with  his  big 
hand,  that  made  music  of  a  kind  that  brought  order  out  of 
confusion,  as  he  said,  "  If  we  are  to  hae  sport,  let  us  have  it, 
and  nae  maer  o'  deviltry." 

Here  the  president  called  out  at  the  top  of  his  voice, 
"  Silends  !  perceed  to  furder  bis'ness." 

"  Call  in  de  oder  prisoner,"  said  the  mock  Squire.  A 
oung,  lithe  negro  was  here  brought  forward,  charged  with 
stealing  a  horse  from  Nellius  Wyncoop,  being  a  spy,  and  as 
guilty  of  forgery. 

"  What  can  be  the  meaning  o'  that  ?"  said  Grant. 
"Naithing  o'  sic  kind  has  come  up  that  the  public  kens 
about." 

"  That  is,  you  have  not  heard  about  it,  you  mean.  Every- 
thing is  not  told  to  Donald  Grant  that  happens  in  the  court 


A   MASQUERADE.  313 

of  justices,  or  it  would  not  be  a  secret  very  long  after  ha 
got  it." 

"  What  do  you  mean  with  your  jibes  and  your  hints  ?" 
said  Grant.  "  If  you  don't  tell  me  all  you  ken  about  that 
business,  I'll  serve  you  as  I  did  that  black  dog  there  a  minute 
since." 

And  with  that  the  rough  Scotchman  was  about  taking 
the  cross-grip,  when  the  man  of  letters  sputtered  out,  "  Let 
me  alone,  and  I'll  tell  you  all  I  know ;  and  listen  yourself  for 
the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter."  Here  a  full  account 
was  given  in  loud  whispers  of  the  appearance  Clarence  had 
made  that  morning,  and  of  the  trial  that  was  to  comb  off  that 
afternoon.  "  See  that  Tom  there,  the  Dominie's  chief  man, 
sitting  in  the  middle.  He  has  access  to  all  his  master's 
secret  drawers,  and  generally  can  tell  beforehand  what 
disposal  the  reverend  man  intends'  to  make  of  his  cases." 

Clarence,  who  heard  all  the  account  given  to  Grant,  looked 
to  the  prisoner,  and  saw  a  fac-simile  of  himself  in  size  and 
dress,  to  the  very  patch  on  the  knee,  pointed  out  before. 
There  was  no  more,  fun  in  the  play  to  him.  A  strange  con- 
fusion of  ideas  was  curdling  up  in  his  brain,  like  what  he  had 
often  experienced  in  a  dream.  He  took  hold  of  his  own  arm, 
to  be  certain  of  his  own  identity.  It  seemed  like  phantas- 
magoria. He  was  recalled  to  his  case  by  the  mock  Dominie 
crying  out : 

"  My  freen  and  Bruder  Doll  nebber  steal  Nellius  Wyn- 
koop's  horse.  Me  know  nothink  of  dis  letter;  youd  a  spy, 
to  be  hanged  at  te  cart  tail." 

Here  the  masque  at  the  bar,  cried  out,  me  no  spy,  but  trua 
man,  seeking  my  sistern. 

Here  was  such  a  clapping  of  hands  and  screeching,  that  it 
seemed  Bedlam  let  loose.  All  the  dominoes  on  the  sacks 
joined  in  the  fun,  forgetful  of  their  mock  dignity.  Quiet  be- 
ing restored,  the  call  was  given  to  bring  in  the  witnesses. 
When  Caese,  the  old  fiddler,  stepped  forward,  and  gave  a 
rambling  account  of  the  frolic  at  Phoebe's  Hotel,  and  of  do 
man  who  came  and  spoiled  de  dance,  in  de  middle  of  de  line 
tune,  by  de  triggering  of  Nelly  Wynkoop's  horse. 

"Wat  says  de  prisoner  to  dat?"  was  the  president's  demand 

*'  O  your  reberence,  me  on  de  way  to  de  mountains  to  seek 
ma  sistern." 

These  words  became  the  password  to  sport,  all  through 
the  proceedings,  and  never  failed  to  make  the  rafters  ring 
with  the  echoes  of  uproarious  laughter. 

14 


3J  4-  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIK. 

"Please  zur,"  said  the  black  squire,  in  mock  gravity,  "vata 
dat  in  cle  breast  pocket  ?  Coustavel,  help  de  prisoner  to  take 
out  dose  putty  tings." 

Here  a  stout  fellow  put  his  hand  into  the  bosom  of  the 
accused,  who  screamed  out,  "  Don't  take  dese  tings  away  frob 
me,  dey  are  for  ma  sistern  !" 

"  Treason !  treason  !"  was  shrieked  out,  as  a  pair  of  large 
horse  pistols  were  laid  upon  the  table.  Those  who  did  not 
know  were  actually  taken  by  surprise,  at  the  sight  and 
sound,  while  those  who  did  know,  believed  that  the  case 
which  this  foreshadowed  was  more  serious  than  it  had 
hitherto  seemed  ;  and  the  cry  of  "  treason  !  treason  !  to  the 
gallows  with  the  spy,"  rang  longer  and  louder  than  mere- 
sport  called  for  in  a  masquerade  trial.  Had  Clarence  been 
seized  at  that  instant,  he  would  have  felt  less  surprise  than 
he  did  at  the  farce  itself.'  Indeed,  he  half  expected  some- 
thing to  happen,  and  was  preparing  his  thoughts  for  the 
worst.  Here  was  an  evident  thrust  at  him.  His  object  was 
known.  He  was  regarded  by  the  lowest  grade  here  as  either 
knave  or  fool.  Au  attempt  was  making  to  excite  public 
opinion  against  him.  "  Let  me  try  and  escape,"  he  inwardly 
said  to  himself. 

The  farce  was  about  to  proceed,  when  who  should  stalk  in 
but  the  great  man  himself,  with  a  long  whip,  that  he  could  use 
at  ten  yards'  distance.  Making  it  crack  at  the  snapper  like 
a  pistol,  there  was  such  a  scampering  ainong  white  and  black, 
as  might  well  have  employed  the  pencil  of  llogarth,  who  has 
given  us  the  Village  School  in  an  uproar.  Loud  natural 
squeals  came  from  ah1  sides,  as  the  scourge  took  effect  upon 
the  hips  of  the  retreating  crew,  who  crowded  out  like  a  drove 
of  hogs  through  a  narrow  gate,  making  the  hindermost  suf- 
fer for  the  pins  of  the  foremost,  while  the  Dominie  sung  out : 
"  I'll  learn  you  to  make  the  venerable  Consistorial  Court  of 
th$  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Holland,  in  these 
United  States  of  America,  now  independent,  the  subject  of 
fun.  You  blasphemous  crew  that  you  are !  I  never  knew 
where  Pandemonium  was  before  now.  You  black  imps,  to 
mount  up  to  the  clouds  playing  your  cantraps.  Take  that." 
And  here  another,  and  another  full  swing  of  the  stout  pastor's 
arm  made  the  court  and  the  audience  tumble  out  in  mixed 
com'usion,  that  soon  exhausted  the  wrath  of  the  avenger. 
Coming  upon  the  fellow  that  had  played  the  part  of  the  fe- 
male spy,  all  dressed  up  in  a  full  suit  of  the  'Yfvrow's  own 
wardrobe,  curls,  high-heeled  shoes  and  all,  he  roared  out  in 


A   MASQUERADE.  315 

loud  laughter,  that  shook  his  big  sides  and  stopped  his  whip 
hand. 

The  couple  that  stood  beside  Clarence  had  found  their  way 
out  first,  being  close  by  the  door.  Grant  coming  up  at  the 
back  of  Clarence,  gave  him  a  hard  clap  with  his  open  hand 
on  the  back,  thinking  that  he  was  one  of  themselves,  and 
saying :_ 

"  Frein',  what  do  yon  think  o'  that  kind  of  play  actoring? 
I  beg  your  paurdon,  I  thought  it  was  our  neighbour  Charlie 
Forbes,  the  English  oificer.  I  never  saw  twa  backs  sae  like. 
But  nae  offence  I  hope,"  said  the  garrulous  Scot,  putting  his 
arm  into  that  of  Clarence,  as  if  he  had  known  him  all  the 
days  of  his  life. 

"  Maister,"  continued  the  talking  man,  "  I  was  just  speerin 
at  our  frein'  here,  what  he  thought  o'  that  fun  in  the  loft 
there." 

"  There  is  something  about  to  go  on  here  at  the  parson- 
age, that  will  explain  all  we  have  seen  in  that  darkness 
there,"  was  the  knowing  reply  of  the  pedagogue,  who  prided 
himself  on  being  acquainted  with  everything  before  it  took 
place. 

"  Oh,  aye,"  said  Grant.  "  You  mean  that  we  have  been 
looking  on  the  shadow,  and  that  the  substance  is  not  far  oif." 

"  Or  to  speak  more  classically,  we  have  been  observing 
comedy,  and  now  for  tragedy,"  was  the  pedantic  language  oi 
the  man  of  letters. 

"As  to  its  being  mair  classical,"  said  Grant,  "  I'm  thinldn' 
Norman  McKenzie,  the  schoolmaster  of  Aberfeldy,  would 
say  the  scriptural  figures  were  the  maist  classical  of  the  two ; 
but  that's  neither  here  nor  there,  at  present.  I  am  ready  to 
argue  that  question  wi  you  next  Sabbath  day,  atween  preach- 
ing ;  in  the  meantime,  see  if  you  can  get  me  in  to  hear  that 
tragedy  you  speak  of,  since  I  have  seen  the  comedy  up  in  the 
loft  yonder." 

Here  the  two  followed  the  stream  of  persons  who  were 
making  their  way  to  the  parsonage,  with  an  evident  earnest- 
ness, that  showed  their  interest  in  what  was  about  to  tako 
place. 


316  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    HI. 

AWHEEL      WITHIN    A     WHEEL. 

"  So  spake  the  seraph  Abdiel,  faithful  found 
Among  the  faithless,  faithful  only  he." 

MlLTOH. 

CLABENCE,  in  no  better  mood  of  mind  after  what  he  had 
witnessed,  wandered  away  out  of  hearing,  so  that  he  might 
consider  what  would  be  best  for  him  to  do,  surrounded  as  he 
was  by  suspicion.  The  chief  man  here  had  his  eye  upon 
him,  the  clowns  squinted  at  him,  and  the  common  blacks 
were  making  him  their  jest.  Were  he  only  certain  of  getting 
away,  he  would  run  all  risks  of  escaping  to  the  mountains. 
Where  were  these  king's  officers?  Their  parole  did  not 
prevent  them  from  helping  others,  though  it  bound  them 
by  their  honor  to  remain  here  till  exchanged  :  "  I  shall  seek 
them  out,"  said  the  almost  desperate  young  man ;  "  I  have  just 
come  from  seeing  my  own  shadow  on  the  gallows-tree ;  I  would 
be  a  fool  to  run  my  neck  into  the  noose  after  the  plain  warn- 
ings given  in  some  imrsterious  way." 

Continuing  these  reveries,  his  eye  rested  on  the  same  strange 
dwarf  that  he  had  followed  into  the  loft.  This  time  the  singu- 
lar creature  made  more  attempt  at  arresting  the  notice  of  the 
stranger  youth,  who  now  became  interested  in  the  motions 
made  to  him.  They  had  both  got  on  the  same  bridge,  when 
the  call  "  Captain  Clinton,"  coming  from  the  right,  drew 
Clarence  there  to  look  with  haste,  and  with  some  perturba- 
tion. Seeing  no  one,  he  still  remained  intently  fixed,  with  his 
bead  bent  over,  when  the  voice  was  on  the  other  side  calling 
"  Captain  Clinton,  follow." 

Clarence,  thinking  that  some  mischief  was  intended,  hastily 
ran  forward  seizing  the  dwarf,  who  merely  looked  up  in  the 
lace  of  the  captain  with  a  dull  smile,  that  meant  nothing 
good  or  evil.  Clarence  was  ashamed  of  himself  when  he 
saw  that  he  had  been  rough  to  a  poor  deformed  negro,  whose 
face  showed  him  to  be  an  idiot.  Dropping  the  arra  he  held, 
he  merely  said  to  himself,  "  I  wish  I  knew  who  calls  me," 
when  the  same  voice  on  both  sides  called  out : 

*' Follow  him  as  a  brave  man  may." 


A    WHEEL    WITHIN    A   WHEEL.  317 

Seeing  that  something  was  meant,  he  pointed  to  the  dwarf, 
who  went  on,  Clarence  in  his  wake.  Turning  suddenly  round 
as  if  going  down  to  the  creek  to  fish,  for  the  dwarf  carried 
a  hickory  pole,  which  might  serve  him  either  for  a  fishing-rod 
or  a  staff  of  defence,  he  led  the  way  as  Clarence  followed. 
After  walking,  and  sometimes  crawling  through  a  low  piece  of 
ground  covered  with  hazel  bushes,  they  reached  a  hut  built  of 
mud,  and  thatched  with  straw,  entirely  different  from  anything 
that  Clarence  had  ever  seen  on  this  continent.  The  walls 
stood  nearly  four  square,  and  rose  a  foot  higher  than  a 
common  man's  height,  with  here  and  there  a  stick  of  timber 
set  in  to  prevent  the  clay  from  settling.  The  roof  rose 
slanting  to  the  ridge-pole,  and  after  having  been  wattled  with 
willows  was  stuffed  with  oat  straw,  over  which  was  laid  a 
covering  of  grassy  turf,  cut  in  squares  from  the  meadow. 
Clarence  thought  upon  the  clachen  of  Cladich  in  the  Scottish 
highlands,  where  he  had  been  with  a  detachment  of  his  regi- 
ment, keeping  the  old  adherents  of  the  gallant  Pretender  in 
check.  There  was  the  same  "  midden"  before  the  door,  the 
kailyard  at  the  end  of  the  house,  with  the  place  for  the  crum- 
my cow  at  the  back  window.  "  This,"  said  the  English  youth 
to  himself,  "  looks  like  the  Scottish  Highlands  indeed." 

But  his  surprise  was  still  greater,  when,  after  his  guide 
pointed  to  the  low  door,  which  stood  open,  he  was  met 
by  an  old  man  in  the  very  "  garb  of  the  Gael."  The  kilt 
coming  down  to  the  knee,  met  below  by  the  cross  striped 
hose,  tight  to  the  leg  above  the  braion,  having  round  tufts 
which  covered  the  buckles  of  the  garters.  The  shoes  were 
of  the  kind  called  brogues — wooden  soles,  and  vamps  of  uji- 
tanned  leather.  The  upper  part  of  the  man's  dress  had  a  mix- 
ture of  the  Scottish  and  the  Dutch  in  them.  The  cloth  of  the 
coat  was  woven  loose  like  a  coarse  blanket,  and  stained  with 
the  juice  of  the  butternut,  abundant  in  the  region.  An  old 
soldier's  stock  was  round  the  grim  wearer's  nock,  and  it  only 
required  the  eye  of  a  soldier  to  observe,  in  the  upright 
form,  the  respectful  bearing  and  the  firm  footing  of  the 
stranger,  one  who  had  marched  through  many  countries,  and 
was  not  to  be  startled,  even  now,  by  the  sound  of  a  trnmpei 
He  stood  over  five  feet  ten;  but,  from  his  strength  of  limb 
and  width  of  chest,  he  seemed  to  be  of  shorter  stature  ;  and 
though  he  evidently  had  put  on  his  best  attire,  there  was  ;\ 
roughness  in  his  appearance,  which  would  have  made  the 
tame  citizen  give  him  the  path  without  further  dispute. 

On  the  entrance  of  Clarence,  he  put  one  hand  by  his 


818  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

and  ilie  other  to  his  cap,  which  the  young  officer  understood 
at  oiice.  Returning  the  salutation  with  evident  pleasure,  as 
he  looked  on  the  face  of  the  stout  old  man,  smiling,  as  he 
said  with  surprise  when  he  saw  on  the  breast  of  him  before 
him  a  silver  medal  bearing  the  name  of  the  wearer,  and  of 
"  PLASSY,"  and  of  "  ABRAHAM  PLAINS." 

<:  Sergeant  McDonald,  71st  regt.,  Glasgow  Highlanders. 
How  is  this  that  I  meet  one  of  the  brave  heroes  who  fought 
and  conquered  with  Wolfe  on  the  Plains  of  Abraham  ?"  was 
the  eager  inquiry  of  Clarence. 

"  I  am  still  a  true  subject  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  and  will 
continue  to  wear  his  colors  while  this  head  stands  highei 
than  the  earth ;  and  when  in  rny  grave,  I  have  sworn  my  auld 
son  Oscar  to  come  every  Sunday  morning,  when  he  must  lay 
this  medal  aboon  my  heart,  where  it  hangs  now.  On  the 
fourth  of  June,  his  Majesty's  birth-day,  they  will  fire  a  feu 
dejoie  near  my  auld  ear." 

"  Whist !  whist!"  was  whispered  from  a  corner  on  the 
other  side  of  the  room,  where  sat  an  old  woman  who  was 
busily  engaged  twisting  a  thread  by  a  spindle,  that  hung 
between  her  finger  and  her  thumb,  though  evidently  ill  at 
ease,  as  she  listened  to  the  outpouring  of  her  husband's 
loyalty. 

"  Janet,"  continued  the  old  soldier,  "  is  wearing  her  life  out, 
'feared  lest  thae  Whigs  come  in  some  day  and  put  a  string 
round  my  neck;  and  sorry  am  I  to  say,  there  are  some  of  the 
ance  gallant  71st  that  would  help  them.  But,  sit  down,  till 
we  hear  the  word,  advance." 

Clarence  took  a  seat  on  a  stool  which  stood  0:1  three  feet, 
cut  out  of  a  rough  block,  which  was  the  pattern  of  all  the 
stools  in  the  place.  The  visitor  had  time  to  examine  the  hut, 
and  mark  its  resemblance  to  what  he  supposed  had  never 
crossed  the  Atlantic.  The  floor  was  the  bare  earth,  hardened 
by  the  feet  of  the  tenants.  Round  the  centre  was  all  the 
rude  furniture,  for  there  was  the  fire-place,  bnilt  of 
ro'igh  stones,  like  an  ancient  altar  for  sacrifice.  It  stood 
about  three  feet  high,  and  measured  double  that  in  breadth. 
On  tne  sides  were  the  vessels  for  cooking,  while  over  tho 
centre,  where  the  fire  burned,  hung  from  a  long  chain  the 
pot  in  which  the  dinner  for  that  day  was  simmering,  and 
sending  out  an  agreeable  flavor.  Clarence  looked  for  the 
iihimney,  but  saw  none.  The  smoke  found  its  way  upward, 
seekin/v  the  open  air  through  those  crevices  which  were  left 
by  cha.ace  in  the  simple  roof. 


A    WHEEL    WITHIN    A    WHEEL.  319 

"  Come  this  way.  he  calls :"  were  the  words  of  the  old 
Highlander,  and  Clarence  was  pointed  to  a  steep  ladder  in  tha 
rear  of  the  hut.  The  adventurer  had  gone  too  far  to  hesi- 
tate, so,  mounting  up,  he  found  a  door  which  opened  at  his 
touch,  swinging  back  again,  so  that  he  was  shut  completely  in. 

"  By  George,  I'm  caught  again,"  were  his  first  words,  when 
he  looked  round,  him,  seeing  no  one ;  but  he  had  hardly  uttered 
the  exclamation  before  another  person  entered  from  the 
opening  below,  who  sprung  forward  seizing  the  hand  already 
stretched  out,  while  both  were  speaking  at  once — "  Clinton  ! 
Crawford !"  looking  into  each  other's  faces  to  be  sure  of  not 
being  mistaken.  Clarence,  the  most  surprised,  from  being 
wholly  ignorant  of  the  other  being  near,  stood  dumb,  while 
the  other  said : 

"  I  knew  you  at  a  glance,  whenever  I  set  my  eyes  upon 
you.  My  fear  was  that  you,  on  recognizing  my  face,  would 
betray  yourself  and  me  at  one  and  the  same  time." 

"  Where  did  you  see  me  to-day  ?  I  have  been  but  in  on  a 
place  all  this  morning,  and  there  you  could  not  be  without 
my  discovering  your  fair  skin  among  a  thousand  of  these 
yellow  boors." 

"  By  George,  as  you  said,  Clinton,  it  was  my  fair  skin  and 
sweet  voice  that  have  carried  me  through  that  ordeal.  I  must 
be  a  good  looking  lass  when  I  could  deceive  that  shrewd 
parson,  with  his  black  keen  eye,  and  yourself." 

"  Is  it  possible,  Crawford,  that  you  acted  the  lady  in  that 
mongrel  court,  just  now  ?  Well,  you  have  had  a  near  escape 
with  your  head  in  the  lion's  mouth,  and  still  on  your  own 
shoulders.  We  always  in  fan  called  you  Lady  Crawford, 
but  "— 

"  No  more  of  that,  Clinton ;  you  know  well  that  it  does 
not  sound  too  pleasantly  to  my  ears.  Nothing  but  the  des- 
perate condition  of  Burgoyne  and  his  brave  fellows,  could 
have  tempted  me  to  this,  and  now  that  it  has  failed  in  part, 
W3  must  try  and  remedy  the  evil  in  the  best  way  we  can. 
We  want  your  counsel." 

"  My  counsel,"  was  the  desponding  reply  of  Clarence, 
"  may  be  of  some  good  to  others,  as  theirs  may  be  to  me ; 
but  the  desperate  state  of  my  own  affairs  engrosses  my  sou1 
so  much,  that  you  could  not  get  two  connected  ideas  from 
me,  though  this  part  of  the  globe  were  to  sink  and  Burgoyne 
with  it. 

"  You  astonish  me,"  said  Crawford,  who  was  one  of  those 
men  of  deep  enthusiasm,  whose  countenance  spoke  more  oi" 


320  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

levity  than  of  earnestness  ;  "  I  supposed  that  honor  and 
glory,  connected  with  your  country,  sat  highest  on  the  throne 
of  your  breast." 

"  These  sentiments,"  said  Clarence,  in  more  haste  than  he 
intended,  "are  the  supreme  influences  of  m^  life;  but  after 
passing  through  the  scenes  of  this  week  al/eady  past,  they 
have  been  counteracted  in  a  gr^at  degree  by  other  sentiments 
no  less  powerful." 

"Pray  what  may  these  be  that  tell  so  strongly  on  Clinton's 
mind '?"  was  the  rather  bitter  question  of  the  other  youth, 
who  was  evidently  galling  under  some  inward  source  of  pain. 

"  Humanity  for  mankind  in  general,  and  affection  for  my 
sister  Margaret  in  particular,"  said  Clarence,  with  a  firmness 
which  cooled  his  companion  down  to  something  like  patience. 

"  Your  sister !  Miss  Clinton !  What  of  her  ?  It  can't  be 
possible  that  the  report  going  round  here  is  true,  that  she 
has  been  abducted  from  the  ship,  and  that  Colonel  Clifford  is 
at  the  bottom  of  the  treason  ?" 

It  was  now  the  time  for  the  other  to  express  his  astonish- 
ment, as  to  the  way  in  which  this  rumor  had  got  abroad, 
and  of  what  reliance  was  to  be  placed  in  it.  After  telling 
and  rehearsing  all  that  was  current,  and  which  Crawford  had 
heard  from  different  sources,  it  appeared  that  letters  had 
been  dropped  around  the  camp,  at  Saratoga,  pointing  evi- 
dently to  this  very  event  as  about  taking  place.  They  were 
written  as  from  one  of  Clifford's  intimate  acquaintances  ; 
describing  the  plan  and  the  probable  consequences.  Clifford 
and  Burgoyne  being  bosom  friends,  and  of  a  kindred  feeling 
in  pursuits  of  an  evil  kind,  the  secret  letter  did  not  excite  any 
seriousness  in  the  gay,  lewd  camp  of  the  English  general. 
It  was  different  with  another  communication,  which  reached 
the  camp  of  the  commanding  officer,  no  one  knew  how, 
when  a  plan  of  march  was  kiid  down  so  distinctly,  for  any 
bold  adventurer,  that  it  awakened  in  Crawford  the  desire  of 
accomplishing — what  was  absolutely  essential,  in  order  that 
the  northern  army  should  be  saved — a  communication  with 
the  army  of  the  South,  under  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  A  map 
which  marked  out  two  distinct  routes  was  inclosed,  giving 
decided  preference  to  the  route  over  the  mountains,  when  the 
messenger  would  come  under  the  protection  of  Brandt,  who 
was  engaged  to  be  there  at  this  time ;  "  and  " — what  sounded 
strangely  and  suspiciously  to  Burgoyne — "  Colonel  Clifford 
would  be  on  the  mountain,  along  with  the  Great  Mohawk,  to 
lend  his  aid." 


A    WHEEL   WITHIN   A   WHEEL.  £21 

"  You  have  seen,"  said  Crawford,  "  how  the  most  practi- 
cable of  these  routes  has  been  closed  against  me,  but  I  am 
determined  now  to  attempt  the  other.  Our  brother  officers 
here  on  parole  have  encouraged  me,  and  I  am  just  waiting 
for  your  counsel  in  this  matter.  All  the  information  sent  to 
the  general  by  that  unknown  hand  has  been  confirmed  since 
I  came  here.  To-day  a  stranger,  who  could  not  possioly 
know  me,  has  pointed  out  the  dangers  and  the  advantages  of 
the  enterprise;  that  my  mind  is  made  up.  Your  account  of 
your  sister,  Miss  Clinton's  abduction,  corroborates  the  whole, 
making  it,  you  perceive,  to  be  your  duty,  from  alfection,  to 
ioin  me." 

"  And  you  would  add,"  said  Clarence,  already  half  per- 
suaded, "  that  honor  and  glory  will  go  hand  in  hand.  Before  I 
can  say  yes  to  your  proposal,  I  must  see  my  way  out  of  this 
confounded  noose  that  I  feel  around  my  throat.  I  have 
.earned  caution  as  well  as  some  others^  where  so  many  eyes 
are  watching  me." 

"  Why,  my  noble  fellow,"  Crawford  interposed  warmly, 
"  if  the  hangman  be  so  near,  are  you  such  a  fool  as  to  wait  till 
he  puts  the  hemp  on  in  a  workmanlike  manner?  Sergeant 
McDonald  below  here  has  promised  to  guide  me  over  the 
hills  by  midnight.  He  would  take  another  under  his  care  for 
the  love  of  his  king  and  country." 

These  arguments  sank  deep  into  the  mind  of  the  anxious 
brother  when  he  reflected  upon  the  necessity  of  promptitude 
in  pursuit  of  his  sister ;  and  he  all  but  said  yes  to  the  demand 
made  upon  his  energy,  when  there  was  a  slight  tap  at  their 
door,  which  proved  to  be  a  call  from  Dame  McDonald  for 
the  gentlemen  to  "  take  pot  luck  for  their  dinner." 

"  I  dare  not  venture  below,"  said  Crawford  ;  "  but,  Clinton, 
come  back  immediately  after  you  have  made  the  acquaintance- 
ship of  the  gentlemen  on  parole.  Some  of  them  you  know 
already.  They  waste  out  life  here,  and  you  will  do  thorn 
good  in  just  showing  your  face  among  them." 

Clarence  descended  the  way  he  came  up,  and  soon  found 
himself  seated  at  a  deal  table  without  cloth,  but  white,  being 
evidently  scoured  for  the  occasion.  The  old  woman,  dressed 
in  what  was  known  as  dru.irget,  had  a  clean  toy  on  her  head, 
which  bore  the  marks  of  a  carefully  put  on  cap,  in  which  the 
wearer  was  confident  she  looked  well.  The  skirt  of  the  gown 
was  drawn  through  the  pocket-hole  to  prevent  its  dragging 
on  the  floor,  which,  from  its  length  of  train,  it  would  have 
done.  She  did  not  sit  down  herself,  but  served  the  coni|.any 


322  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

Wooden  plates,  hollowed  out  of  basswood,  were  ranged 
round  the  table ;  into  these  a  ladleful  of  the  broth,  which 
stood  cooling  in  the  tripod  pot,  was  emptied ;  and  the  invita- 
tion given,  "  sit  down,  sir,  and  mak  yourself  at  hame. 
Janet  has  been  busy  preparing  some  sheep's-head  kail  to  put 
me  in  mind  o'  Kemnore." 

Clarence  had  seen,  when  he  was  standing  by  the  lire,  the 
nose  of  some  animal  pushing  itself  up  among  the  vegetables 
in  the  pot  like  a  black  hippopotamus  among  the  reeds  of  the 
Nile ;  but  he  did  not  expect  to  make  his  dinner  of  the  mess. 
However,  now  like  a  good  soldier,  he  sat  down  with  a  ready 
appetite  for  whatever  was  coming,  asking  no  questions.  To 
his  agreeable  surprise,  the  soup  was  white  as  milk,  though 
the  head — it  might  be  of  a  ram  from  its  size — was  there  in  a 
large  platter,  on  the  centre,  without  the  horns,  and  the  wool 
singed  ail  off.  Garden  stuffs  of  all  kinds,  known,  and  some 
only  known  to  Janet,  had  been  boiled  for  two  full  hours, 
with  the  head  among  them ;  so  that  it  would  have  defied  a 
French  cook  to  tell  the  prevailing  flavor  of  what  McDonald 
called  this  dish  of  HOTCH  POTCH.  Barley  bread,  unleavened, 
baked- upon  a  griddle,  thin  and  tough  as  leather,  was  eaten  to 
this  soup;  when  at  the  close  Janet  put  down  a  square  bottle 
and  a  basket  of  oatmeal  cakes  alongside  of  a  skini-milk 
cheese ;  all  of  which  were  intended  as  a  dessert.  The  ser- 
geant lifted  a  small  dish  made  of  narrow  pieces  of  wood  of 
different  colors,  hooped  round,  so  that  it  seemed  a  Lilliputian 
milk  tub.  Into  that  he  poured  the  contents  of  the  bottle, 
drinking  it  off  at  a  single  draught,  after  he  had,  with  great 
solemnity,  given  the  If  ing,  God  bless  him,  as  a  toast.  Cla- 
rence had  the  same  put  before  him :  and  so  it  went  round  the 
table.  The  rest  who  were  there  seemed  to  be  men  who 
merely  listened  and  looked.  When  it  came  to  Janet's  turn  to 
drink,  there  was  evidently  something  more  expected  of  her 
than  a  bare  toast.  Putting  on  the  table  a  crystal  goblet, 
which,  from,  the  manner  of  her  unrolling  it,  she  deemed 
sacred,  liquor  was  poured  into  it  till  it  stood  on  the  lip. 
Taking  an  egg  in  her  hand,  she  broke  it  so  that  the  yolk 
spread  through  the  contents  of  the  glass.  Through  this  com- 
pound she  looked  with  a  curious  eye,  as  if  expecting  to  see 
something  uncommon  in  the  distance.  Tasting  of  the  mix- 
ture freely,  she  leaned  her  head  on  her  knees,  singing  a  Gae- 
lic song,  rocking  herself,  as  she  sang  for  a  few  minutes, 
during  which  the  company  sat  in  the  profoundewt  silence, 
wailing  on  the  will  of  the  actor.  When  she  lilied  her  head, 


A    WHEEL    WITHIN   A   WHEEL.  323 

it  was  to  take  the  goblet  again  in  her  hand,  which  she  shook 
sharply,  and  gazing  intently,  she  laid  it  down  as  if  in  fear  at 
first ;  but  lifting  it  up,  one  of  those  dark  smiles  came  aci  oss 
her  wrinkled  features,  which  recalls  to  the  traveller's  mind  a 
gleam  of  sunshine  on  a  Scottish  sky. 

Tell  us  what  you  see,  wife,  and  let  us  go,"  said  the  ser- 
geant, evidently  under  the  enchantment  of  the  occasion. 
"  We  want  the  truth,  Janet ;  but  the  journey  must  bo 
taken,  weal  or  woe.  What  does  the  Brownie  say  ?" 

Janet,  in  a  moaning  tone,  sang,  "  Smoke,  fury  and  blood 
all  the  first." 

"  We  are  ready  and  prepared  for  them.  You  mean  that 
the  end  will  be  successful.  Let  us  go,  said  McDonald,  "  and 
see  the  gentlemen  ;"  and  with  that  he  led  the  way  through 
the  low  door  of  the  mud  cabin,  taking  the  path  that  led  up 
the  side  of  the  creek. 

On  the  way  Clarence  learned  from  McDonald  that  there 
were  several  families  like  himself,  who  were  living  among 
the  farmers,  and  some  had  risen  to  be  good  landholders 
themselves.  The  most  of  them,  however,  were  imprudent. 
and  useless  to  the  community,  and  to  themselves.  They 
were  divided  like  the  country  on  the  question  of  the  present 
war,  and  "  you  may,"  said  the  sergeant,  "  as  weel  break  a 
woodie  wi'  a  windle  strae  as  change  a  Hielan  man,  when  he 
wants  to  gang  either  up  or  doon  stream." 

The  two  had  arrived  at  the  door  of  a  large  stone  barn 
that  was  snugly  fenced  round,  and  the  yard  swept  and 
orderly,  showing  that  the  hand  of  a  soldier  had  been  in  use 
here  for  some  time.  The  door  was  opened  by  McDonald, 
who  entered,  leading  Clarence,  hat  in  hand.  The  company, 
as  if  expecting  the  visit,  rose  at  once,  and  came  forward  with 
the  dignity  and  the  frankness  of  gentlemen  and  soldiers.  The 
welcome  was  hearty  and  full  of  feeling.  Already  all  had  been 
made  aware  of  the  name  and  of  the  rank  which  belonged  to 
the  visitor.  Of  the  object  in  his  mind  no  one  knew  anything, 
nor  was  one  of  the  ten  gentlemen  at  liberty  to  ask  him  till  ha 
might  reveal  it  himself.  Of  course  they  supposed  public 
business  alone  could  induce  any  one  to  venture  into  such  a 
dangerous  vicinity.  Still  as  they  had  heard  of  overtures 
being  made  to  leading  Whigs  throughout,  it  did  not  sound 
strange  when  one  of  them,  with  a  knowing  look,  whispered, 
"  Sir  Harry  is  cousin  to  the  rebel  General  Clinton,  and  his 
brother  the  governor,  and  the  governor  knows  that  these 
Dominies  are  great  men  among  the  Duich  boors." 


324:  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

And  so  the  mission  of  Clarence  Clinton  was  guessed  at 
without  being  sought  out.  The  opportunity  was  now  sought 
after  by  all  to  make  themselves  agreeable,  while  the  young 
soldier,  feeling  sympathy  for  them  as  a  brother  officer,  in  the 
same  noble  profession,  put  forth  all  his  character  in  their 
presence,  with  promises  of  aid  whenever  he  would  return  to 
head-quarters.  Some  of  the  number  were  old  acquaintances, 
and  the  greeting  between  them  was  cordial.  The  strangers 
were  no  less  pleased  with  a  visit  from  one  who  was  so  sure 
to  report  of  their  privations  undergone  on  behalf  of  his 
majesty.  Hope  of  promotion  revived  as  they  looked  to  the 
future. 

Clarence  cast  his  eye  round  the  place  where  they  were 
met,  and  learned  from  them,  that  though  they  chose  to  assem- 
ble here  they  were  by  no  means  confined  to  any  location. 
Some  were  lodged  in  the  little  village,  and  others  in  the 
families  of  the  farmers.  For  some  days  past  they  had  been 
engaged  preparing  for  a  hunting  excursion  to  the  mountains. 
A  pair  of  catamounts  had  been  seen,  and  all  who  wore 
inclined  had  the  chance  of  putting  forth  their  energies. 

"I  see,"  said  Clarence,  "you  have  all  the  means  pro- 
vided," as  he  glanced  round  the  place  and  saw  the  guns,  the 
lances,  and  the  other  articles  of  a  huntsman's  armory.  "  You 
are  allowed  great  freedom  when  these  are  put  into  your 
possession,  and  time  given.  I  hope  you  have  ample  range 
and  verge  enough." 

"  Of  that,  sir,  we  have  nothing  to  complain.  We  have 
been  away  twenty-four  hours  at  a  time,  and  have  travelled  to 
the  borders  of  civilization.  Some  of  us  on  a  journey  of 
pleasure,  others  on  a  tour  of  research,  and  I  myself  have 
been  to  consult  the  wizard  of  the  spook's  den,  as  the  people 
called  it  when  I  went  first.  We  are  waiting  for  a  message 
from  him  to  go  on  this  hunting  campaign.  He  promised  to 
send  us  a  special  warning,  so  that  we  might  be  there  in 
time ;  and  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  there  comes  the  witch's  imp 
at  this  moment. 

Clarence  looked  toward  the  entrance  to  which  Captain 
Willoughby  pointed,  who  from  his  rank,  as  well  as  for  his 
superior  intelligence,  was  regarded  as  chief,  when  he  saw 
the  same  misshappen  dwarf  move  toward  them,  holding  a 
letter  in  his  hand,  which  he  gave  to  the  officer  who  ex- 
pected it. 

"  That  will  do,  Unga,"  said  the  captain.  "  You  may  sit 
down  till  I  send  you  with  my  reply;"  and  the  creatura 


A   WHEEL   WITHIN   A   WHEEL.  325 

stepped  h\gh  and  low  as  he  moved  to  a  settle  near  the  wall 
where  he  stretched  himself  on  his  back,  with  his  cap  over  his 
face. 

"  Just  as  I  said,"  were  Willoughby's  first  words.  "  The 
hunt  comes  off  to-morrow,  and  if  we  wish  to  see  it  we  must 
join  the  party  by  sunrise  at  the  Round  Top,  keeping  round 

by But  see  here  is  a  map  of  the  region.  Sergeant 

McDonald,  see  this  and  tell  us  if  it  be  practicable.  We  mu?i 
not  trust  ourselves  in  the  hand  of  a  spaemau." 

The  sergeant  took  the  sketch,  looking  at  it  with  the  deep- 
est interest,  while  all  the  gentlemen  stood  around  him  wait- 
ing for  his  verdict,  which  he  gave  briefly. 

"  You  maun  tak  to  the  west  o'  that  round  hill,  then  climb 
the  mountain  as  weel  as  you  can,  and  when  at  the  tap  keep 
west  by  south,  till  you  come  to  a  waterfall  that  lies  at  the 
head  of  a  deep  glen,  running  to  the  east.  The  man  that 
drew  that  is  the  same  as  he  who  drew  another  I  have  seen 
this  morning." 

"  What  do  you  draw  from  both,  my  worthy  sergeant  ?" 
was  th'j  familiar  question  of  the  one  in  command. 

Before  an  answer  could  be  given,  a  voice,  which  seemed  to 
sound  on  the  outside  of  the  building,  called  out,  "  Clarence 
Clinton  !"  That  gentleman  looked  suddenly  in  the  direction, 
all  eyes  turning  in  the  same  way,  when  the  same  voice,  but 
louder,  called  from  the  other  side : 

"  Captain  Clarence  Clinton,  the  Consistory  of  the  Pro- 
testant Reformed  Dutch  Church  demand  your  presence 
at  this  moment." 

This,  which  was  said  slowly,  excited  some  amusement 
among  the  young  men  who  ran  out  for  the  purpose  of  seizing 
the  impudent  fool,  who  would  so  speak.  But  no  one  being 
seen,  a  singular  tremor  came  over  men  who  would  have  stood 
at  another  time  in  the  face  of  death.  Clarence,  who  had 
seen  enough  of  that  court  of  late  to  despise  it,  in  his  present 
condition  took  McDonald  with  him  aside,  making  an  appoint- 
ment to  meet  him  and  Crawford  in  case  he  found  it  possible 
to  free  himself  of  the  presence  of  spies.  To  them  he  ascribed 
the  voices  he  had  heard  all  that  morning. 

Bidding  his  brother  officers  a  pleasant  adieu,  and  a  succcsa- 
ful  time  on  the  mountain,  he  hastily  left  for  the  parsonage, 
where  that  strange  court  was  to  be  held,  despising  it  in  his 
soul,  and  yet  forced  to  appear. 


326  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

JUDGMENT   AND    MERCY    KISSED. 

"B!  "Roger  informed  me  that  Moll  White  was  dead,  and  that  about  a  month  after  h«- 
da»th  the  wind  was  so  very  high  that  it  blew  down  one  of  his  bams.  '  But  for  my  part, 
gaid  t:  e  knight,  '  I  do  not  think  that  the  old  woman  had  anything  to  do  with  it.'  " 

ADDISO3. 

THE  young  Englishman  entered  the  Dominie's  house  with 
a  thousand  revolving  feelings  in  his  bosom.  The  ridicule 
thrown  upon  his  errand  in  the  loft  by  those  guissards  had 
more  effect  upon  him  than  all  the  arguments  of  his  friend 
Crawford.  In  fact,  the  announcement  of  the  meeting  by  that 
mysterious  voice,  made  him,  brave  as  he  was,  and  in  a  cause 
which  God  must  own  as  holy,  step  with  less  confidence 
than  before  he  left  the  parsonage.  The  main  entrance  was 
full,  as  were  all  the  rooms.  Nothing  of  privacy  seemed  to 
be  here.  As  Clarence  pressed  through,  he  was  brushed 
against  by  some  who  said,  "  Remember,  a  straight  story." 
He  had  got  that  advice  before,  and  the  words  roused  up  his 
energies,  which  had  been  sinking.  He  said  to  himself: 

"  I  have  friends,  and  will  hold  up  my  head  in  the  midst 
of  all." 

The  inner  door  was  opened  by  Tom,  who  was  already  at 
his  post,  looking  demure  or  roguish  as  the  one  side  or 
the  other  of  the  company  would  be  best  suited.  He  gave  a 
roguish  leer  on  Clarence,  that  was  met  by  one  of  lire,  which 
men  accustomed  to  command  are  sure  to  have  at  disposal, 
and  which  no  real  slave  is  ever  able  to  meet  without  being 
withered  by  it.  The  impudent  fello w  cowered  under  the  glance 
of  his  superior  at  once,  nor  ever  after  looked  him  hi  the  face. 

"  Massa  Domilie  in  de  C'nsistory.  Gen'hn'n  please  to  sit 
down  till  he  be  called  for." 

This  was  said  to  show  the  power  of  the  master  and  to 
impress  the  attendant- Englishman  with  awe. 

"•  Tell  your  master,  sirrah,"  said  Clarence,  with  sternness, 
'that  Mr.  Clarence  Clinton  is  here  and  desires  admittance 
immediately." 

The  effect  of  this  command  upon  Tom,  as  well  as  upon  all 
those  who  were  waiting,  was  quite  evident.  The  negro  carno 
back  bowing  his  best  salaam,  saying: 


JUDGMENT   AND   MERCY   EIS8ED.  22? 

"  Massa  Clary  vill  walk  in." 

The  moment  the  door  inside  was  shut  and  Tom  «ju  the 
outside,  the  rogue  gave  a  wink  to  the  spectators,  which 
nearly  upset  their  gravity.  This  little  bit  of  acting  between 
the  false  and  the  true  was  too  interesting  not  to  excite  atten- 
tion ;  and  caused  more  than  common  anxivty  concerning  what 
was  going  on.  The  dominoes  in  the  loft,  conducted  as  these 
were  known  to  be  by  the  Dominie's  private  secretary,  prepared 
the  minds  of  the  public  for  a  real  case  of  treason  ;  and  the  man- 
ner and  the  name  of  the  stranger  were  gradually  producing 
that  intensity  of  feeling  which  always  follows  secrecy  and 
hints ;  so  that  pretty  loud  murmuring  was  beginning  to  show 
itself  by  those  who  were  debarred  admittance  to  the  tribu- 
nal. The  design  of  Tom  was  working  out.  He  had  vowed 
revenge  on  Clarence  for  what  he  supposed  him  guilty  of- — 
informing  his  master  of  his  late  peccadillo ;  and  so  he  Avas 
accomplishing  the  end. 

The  prisoner,  for  now  he  was  so  in  reality,  found  the  court 
in  session.  He,  by  this  time,  was  becoming  acquainted  with 
Consistorial  forms  of  investigation,  and  knew  already  the 
strong  and  the  weak  places,  of  which  he  was  determined  to 
avail  himself.  There  was  the  chief  man  in  his  canonicals  in 
the  centre,  and  the  same  Anthony  Van  Bergen  in  the  three- 
fold capacity  of  elder,  squire  and  clerk. 

"Mr.  Clarence  I  think  your  name  is  ?"  said  the  questioner. 

"  Clarence  Clinton,  at  your  service,"  was  the  answer.  At 
the  same  time  he  stepped  forward,  and  half  demanded  the 
authority  of  this  court  to  put  him  through  an  investigation. 
He  saw  plainly  that  it  was  a  mongrel  court,  which  did  not 
differ  much  in  his  esteem  from  the  mockery  in  the  mill. 
For  one  moment  his  mind  was  so  confused  that  he  almost 
imagined  himself  standing  before  the  other  cocked-hat  on  tiie 
wheat-sack. 

"  You  are  charged  here,  sir,  with  stealing  a  horse  from 
Cornelius  Wynkoop." 

"  I  deny  the  charge,"  said  the  prisoner,  with  great  warmth, 
and  almost  starting  forward  to  punish  the  insulter. 

"  Call  the  witnesses,"  was  the  cry  of  the  Squire ;  when  ilio 
door  opened,  and  in  stepped  the  same  old  negro ;  teUmg 
exactly  the  same  story,  though  with  less  palaver. 

"  Vat  says  de  prisoner  to  dat?"  said  the  squire,  glancing 
aside  to  his  chief. 

"I  say,"  was  the  reply,  "  that  all  the  old  mr.n  savs  is  true; 
but  it  does  not  show  that  I  stole  the  animal.  If  the 


328  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

gentleman  will  look  at  the  letter  I  put  in  his  hand  this 
morning,  from  a  worthy  brother  of  his  own,  it  will  account 
for  what  is  here  produced  as  evidence." 

"  My  dear  sir,"  said  the  Dominie.,  "  I  have  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  the  letter  you  produced  to  me  is  a  forgery.  I  am 
quite  sure  that  my  good  friend  and  brother,  whose  name  is 
here,  never  entered  a  barn  at  midnight,  to  take  even  the  loan 
of  a  horse,  for — for  " — he  hesitated  to  say  the  other  word,  but 
it  come  out  "  in  short,  for  a  spy.  " 

At  this  word  the  accused  felt  as  if  nature  was  giving  way. 
The  scene  in  the  mill  was  all  present  with  him,  but  there 
was  no  laughter  here.  These  were  earnest  men,  looking 
cold  and  determined. 

"  You  be  a  spy,"  said  the  Squire,  "  and  vill  be  thrown  off 
at  de  cart  tail." 

By  this  time  the  door  was  open.  Tom  had  purposely 
left  it  so,  and  a  crowd  gathered  up  close  to  Avhere  the 
accused  young  man  stood,  whose  faces  did  not  show  any 
sympathy  with  him.  Remembering  what  he  had  been  warm  d 
against,  and  feeling  that  if  the  worst  came  upon  him  at  the 
last,  he  would  suffer  more  in  feeling  afterward  that  he  had 
told  untruth,  than  the  fear  of  death  could  bring,  he  resolved 
to  give  a  full  account  of  the  whole,  omitting  only  the  fact 
of  his  being  at  the  Sopus  burning. 

He  began  by  saying  in  a  hesitating  tone,  for  he  actually  felt 
the  influence  of  the  farce  still :  "I  came  to  these  mountains 
in  search  of  >uy  sister."  He  continued  giving  a  brief  and 
touching  account  of  her  romantic  character,  of  how  she  had 
been  abducted,  and  of  where  he  believed  her  to  be,  and  con- 
cluded by  paving,  that  if  he  must  die  in  the  manner  threat- 
ened, he  WAuld  die  a  true  man,  and  no  spy.  For  the  moment, 
they  believed  him  to  be  under  some  hallucination,  and  they 
were  sewnbly  touched  with  his  account.  The  grave 
Dominies'  features  were  relaxed  into  uncertainty,  while 
Grant  was  wiping  his  eyes,  as  he  said  to  the  pedagogue  tha 
"  fule  has  made  me  greet."  Tom,  who  stood  behind  his 
master's  chair,  and  had  fixed  his  mouth  for  the  general  guf- 
faw at  the  usual  watchword,  hid  his  teeth,  wondering  that 
"  white  folks  neher  'joyed  any  funny  ting  at  all." 

When  all  had  recovered  themselves  sufficiently  for  busi- 
ness, the  Dominie  said,  "  Young  man,  your  story  is  too 
unlikely  to  be  believed  anywhere  ;  and  even  though  we  did 
receive  it  as  true,  there  are  others  to  whom  we  are  accounta- 
ble who  would  laugh  at  our  easy  faith  in  these  times,  \vh<ja 


JUDGMENT   AND   MKRCY    KISSED.  329 

the  name  you  give   is   so  obnoxious  through  all  this  lano 
to-day." 

These  allusions  moved  the  spirit  of  the  young  British 
soldier,  and  raising  himself  up  rather  haughtily,  he  answered : 
"  If  you  are  amenable,  then,  to  higher  authority,  I  prefer  to 
be  tried  by  a  regular  court  of  the  country." 

This  was  unfortunate,  since  it  insinuated  the  want  of  due 
authority  in  the  court  where  the  present  judge  was  al \vays 
the  law,  and  sometimes  the  executor.  Drawing  himself  out 
of  his  large  hair,  he  rose  to  his  feet,  saying  with  a  force  and  a 
loudness  which  might  have  suited  the  church  where  they 
had  been,  that  morning : 

"  You  must  understand,  Mr.  Clarence  Clinton,  this  is  not 
the  mill  loft ;  nor  is  this  Consistory  of  the  Protestant  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  of  Holland,  in  these  United  States  of 
North  America,  a  set  of  mountebanks,  but  has  had  its  ex- 
istence ever  since  the  sitting  of  the  Synod  of  Dort ;  and  be  it 
known,  that  they  have  sufficient  power  to  try  you,  or  any- 
one else,  of  the  king's  slaves,  that  falls  providentially  into 
their  hands.  A  mongrel  court  indeed !  You  are  thinking 
of  those  blasphemous  grimacera,  who  dared  to  mock  me  and 
my  court,  almost  before  my  face ;  some  of  them  will  have  to 
take  forty  stripes  save  one." 

During  this  speech,  every  man,  white  and  black,  was  quiet, 
as  a  mouse.  The  sly  fellow  behind  the  chair  looked  down 
and  pretended  to  wipe  his  eyes. 

Just  at  this  point,  when  all  seemed  to  be  going  against 
the  accused,  to  make  the  matter  still  worse  for  him,  some  one 
suggested  that  the  prisoner  be  searched  for  arms.  Now 
Clarence,  remembering  again  the  scene  at  the  mill,  saw  that 
he  was  lost  indeed,  and  immediately  produced  his  pistols, 
laying  them  on  the  table  before  them,  saying  : 

"  You  may  be  sure,  gentlemen,  that  no  wise  man  on  a 
mission  like  what  I  say  I  am  upon,  would  dispense  with  the 
use  of  arms ;  and  here  they  are,  at  the  disposal  of  the  leg:vl 
power." 

"  We  have  the  legal  and  the  moral  authority  together  in 
this  house,"  said  the  president,  with  more  than  his  usual 
severity;  "and  as  there  is  great  doubt  concerning  you, 
there  is  no  help  for  us  but  to  keep  you  in  custody  till  these 
doubts  be  cleared  up." 

Clarence  bowed  low;  when  some  one  at-his  elbow  whispered, 
"  produce  your  sealed  packet."  This  recalled  to  his  mind 
what,  he  would  then  have  forgotten,  the  letter  he  recehvJ 


330  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

just  as  he  mounted  the  horse.  Putting  his  hand  hastily  in  \  is 
bosom,  he  took  out  a  small  package  addressed,  "  To  those  in 
authority,  given  by  the  hand  of  Clarence  C ." 

The  Dominie  cast  his  eye  over  the  superscription,  and 
saying  hastily,  "  I  am — at  least,  we  are  the  men  here  in 
authority,"  and  breaking  the  seal,  he  read  to  himself,  all  the 
time  changing  color ;  looking  first  to  the  outside,  then  agaii: 
on  the  inside,  while  his  eye  every  now  and  then  was  turned 
on  the  face  of  the  prisoner.  At  last  he  drew  the  Squire  and 
other  two  into  a  corner  for  consultation. 

During  all  this  time  every  one  was  still  as  death.  Some- 
thing real  was  now  before  their  eyes,  and  a  denournent  was 
about  to  take  place  as  was  evident  from  the  whole  demeanor 
of  the  chief  men.  Even  Clarence  was  ignorant  of  the  con- 
tents of  the  package,  and  was  in  as  great  a  quandary  as  the 
spectators.  At  last  the  court  again  took  their  seats,  when 
the  Dominie,  not  being  willing  to  trust  his  aid  in  this  busi- 
ness, took  up  speech  himself. 

"  We  have  come  to  the  conclusion,  sir,  that  this  is  another 
forgery,  only  it  is  of  a  more  heinous  nature  than  that  already 
committed  by  you.  The  other  was  only  the  name  of  an 
obscure  minister  of  the  Gospel — as  great  a  sin  in  the  sight  of 
God  as  could  be  committed ;  but  this,  in  addition,  is  a  sin 
against  the  highest  authority  in  this  State.  The  name  of 
George  Clinton,  the  chief  magistrate,  in  which  he  is  pur- 
ported to  say,  '  allow  the  bearer,  Clarence  Clinton,  to  pass 
and  repass  unmolested.'  Now  our  decision  is,  that  yovi  be 
retained  here  till  evidence  can  be  produced  from  head- 
quarters of  the  genuineness  of  this  document ;  or  till  you 
give  such  security  as  will  satisfy  this  court." 

Clarence  replied :  "  After  what  you  have  declared,  no  af- 
firmation of  mine  will  avail.  Of  the  manner  in  which  the 
first  letter  was  got  I  know  something ;  but  how  the  Gover- 
nor of  this  State,  as  you  call  him,  should  have  given  me  that 
letter,  I  am  ignorant ;  and  as  there  is  no  one  here  who  wil! 
be  security  for  a  stranger  lying  under  such  charges  as  you 
prefer,  I  must  be  resigned  to  my  fate." 

At  this  point  of  interest,  a  slight  movement  was  observed 
in  one  corner  of  the  room ;  and  after  the  Dominie  had  said, 
"  Then  you  have  no  cautioner  to  give  us,"  there  stepped  u;>  to 
the  table  by  the  side  of  Clarence,  the  tall  bearded  m:m  h<? 
had  seen  in  the  crowd  that  morning,  dressed  in  a  still  inoiv 
fantastic  manner ;  and  throwing  down  a  small  card  on  i :  c 
table,  before  which  the  Dominie  sat,  he  demanded  :  u  if  lisas 


JUDGMENT    AND   MERCY    KISSED.  33] 

would  be  sufficient  assurance  for  the  accused."  The  person 
to  whom  this  was  addressed,  rose  in  a  moment,  gave  a 
glance  at  the  paper,  and  as  he  handed  it  back,  said,  bowing 
m  the  most  respectful  manner,  "  Your  own  word  would  be 
enough;"  and  turning  to  Clarence,  remarked,  "  you  are  at 
liberty,  sir." 

Clarence,  before  whom  all  this  was  acted,  looked  round 
for  the  man  who  had  changed  the  whole,  from  darkness  to 
light  so  suddenly ;  but  he  was  gone,  and  turning  to  the  chair 
again,  he  said : 

"  Reverend  sir,  did  I  understand  you  aright  ?  Am  I  at 
liberty  ?" 

The  president  repeated  his  words  in  the  most  respectful 
manner ;  leaving  Clarence  and  tiie  whole  auditory  in  far 
greater  wonder  than  he  did  when  he  entered  the  mill,  whip 
in  hand,  to  chastise  those  negro  actors.  He  seemed  to  those 
who  knew  him,  as  if  he  were  the  one  who  underwent  the 
scrutiny  of  a  pair  of  eyes,  more  penetrating  than  his  own  ; 
and  that  toward  the  late  prisoner  he  became  obsequious.  A 
kind  of  amazement  held  ail  in  silence,  waiting  for  something, 
they  knew  not  what,  whan  a  stir  among  the  crowd  at  the 
door  attracted  the  eyes  of  the  court.  The  children  in  the 
yard  below  were  screaming  through  feir,  and  even  the  in- 
expe  lenced  men  grew  a  little  pale  when  a  tall  young  man 
entered  dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  mock  Indians  of  the 
region.  It  was  evident  that  he  was  meeting  but  a  doubtful 
reception.  The  men  around  were  seen  handling  their  hid- 
den weapons,  for  all  expected  a  tribe  of  Mohawks  certainly 
to  follow. 

"  No  occasion  for  alarm,"  said  the  intruder.  "  I  am  a 
messenger  of  peace  and  one  of  your  own  friends,  though  for 
the  present  obliged  for  good  reasons  to  wear  this  disguise. 
I  am  now  on  an  errand  of  deliverance."  The  president  on 
his  feet  answered  : 

"  Teunis  Roe,  when  we  see  tne  garb  of  the  cruel  Brandt 
stained  with  blood,  you  can  hardly  expect  that  the  man  who 
wears  it  should  receive  a  friendly  welcome." 

"That  is  true,  Dominie,  bat  you  preach,  yourself,  'judge 
not  according  to  appearance.'  Safer  to  meat  an  angel  in  the 
garment  of  Satan,  than  Satan  in  that  of  an  angel  of  light,  I 
am  alone.  Hear  me  and  then  judge,"  said  Teunis,  for  it  was 
our  friend  the  young  Boerman  of  the  flats  who  spoke. 

"  You  have  given  us  a  new  rendering  of  that  scripture, 
and  something  like  a  new  doctrine  upon  it;  but  see  that  you 


332  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

do  not  wrest  it  to  your  own  destruction.  But  what  hav* 
you  to  say  about  that  fire  raising  ?nd  midnight  marauder ; 
that  heathen  and  scalper  that  has  i/orn  up  the  nests  of  our 
best  folks,  and  left  so  many  weeping  and  wailing  below  on 
the  Vlatts,  while  he,  like  the  hawk,  sits  up  there  looking  do\vi» 
into  their  yards." 

"  Do  not  fear  that  I  am  not  come  to  help  the  bloody  «rew, 
so  be  at  rest." 

"  Teunis,"  said  the  roused  Dominie,  "  we  never  knew  fear. 
*CA  good  conscience  is  always  brave." 

"  No  one,"  said  the  youth,  "  ever  questioned  the  Dominie's 
courage ;  and  it  is  for  that  reason  I  am  here  at  the  risk  of 
my  life ;  and  if  you  will  hear  my  story  you  will  not  be  long 
sitting  there  on  your  soft  chairs  while  your  brethren  of  the 
grand  Consistory  are  up  yonder  chained  to  the  rock." 

"  Hearken  to  Teunis  Roe,"  said  the  Dominie,  striking  his 
large  fist  down  on  the  table  with  a  force  that  made  Tom 
jump  a  loot  high,  and  put  all  the  rest  into  silence. 

"  My  tale  is  soon  told,"  said  Teunis.  "  You  know  that 
Elder  Abiel,  and  Martin  Schuyler  are  in  the  hands  of  the 
Philistines ;  and  Brandt  says  he  is  only  waiting  till  he  gets 
a  few  more,  and  the  Dominie  himself,  and  then  he  will  go  off 
with  them  to  see  the  great  falls  of  Ni-a-a-gaara." 

"And  by  old  St.  Nicholas,"  said  the  brave  soldier  of 
the  cross  and  of  the  State,  "  I  will  meet  the  red  sinner  half 
way,  that  he  may  see  how  the  Lord  will  deliver  me  out  of 
the  mouth  of  the  bear,  and  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion.  Go  on, 
Teunie,  and  let  us  hear  the  rest  of  that  fine  tale.  Here,  Tom, 
you  blaspheming  rascal,  that  mocked  me  behind  my  back, 
bring  me  the  tobacco  pouch  and  pipes  for  us  ah1." 

In  a  short  time  every  mouth  was  puffing  out  smoke  till  the 
whole  room  was  so  thick  with  vapor,  t.iat  "  a  piece  of  it," 
Clarence  afterward  wrote,  "  could  have  been  cut-  out  and  sent 
as  a  specimen  of  a  Dutchman's  breath." 

The  sum  of  Teunis'  story  was,  that  he  was  sent  with  a 
message  from  the  captives  to  the  Consistory,  desiring  assi-t- 
ance.  Showing  how  it  was  not  only  possible,  but  highly 
probable,  for  a  few  men  to  surprise  the  Indians  and  th-3 
Tories  on  the  next  day,  as  it  was  their  intention  to  divide 
off  into  companies,  so  that  the  whole  woods  ar»d  caves  rou.i'l 
the  region  might  be  scoured  for  some  prisoners  that  had  es- 
caped. In  the  course  of  the  narrative  which  Teunis  gave,  H 
leaked  out  that  Elsie  Schuyler  was  one  of  these  fugitives,  and 
that  alcng  with  her  was  a  young  lady,  who  had  been  t.il^uu 


.JUDGMENT   AND    MEECT   KISSEU.  333 

to  the  mountains.  No  one  could  tell  how.  It  would,  never- 
theless, be  a  great  act  of  humanity,  to  save  two  such 
young  and  beautiful  girls  from  such  a  spoiling  set  of  murder- 
ers, as  these  Indians  were. 

"  O  !  yaw,  yaw !  Teunis,  you  have  got  a  kindness  for  every 
piece  of  humanity ;  and  for  all  woman  kind  in  general ;  but 
for  Elsie  in  a  bpecial  degree.  Well,  no  harm  in  that ;  I  could 
teK  a  tale  myself,  if  the  '  'Yfvrow '  were  here.  Let  that 
pass,  and  tell  us  something  more  about  that  other  young 
girl :  I  see  a  pair  of  eyes  in  that  corner  there  looking  at  you 
as  if  they  would  draw  you  into  them.  Here,  Mr.  Clarence, 
or  whatever  else  they  call  you,  here  is  some  corroborative 
proof  of  your  unlikely  tale.  What  say  you,  neighbors,  to  a 
young  man  going  off  to  the  mountains  to  seek  his  sister  ?" 
and  the  Dominie  laughed  at  the  joke  now,  and  all  joined  Tom 
with  the  rest,  turning  the  court- room  into  a  house  of  mirth. 

In  the  meantime,  Clarence  had  taken  out  Teunis  by  him- 
self, making  all  the  inquiries  which  affectionate  earnestness 
could  suggest.  For  already  he  was  persuaded,  that  it  could 
be  none  other  than  Margaret.  The  answers  he  received 
went  all  to  confirm  him  in  the  suspicion  he  had  formed  the 
moment  that  Teunis  had  said  there  were  two  young  women, 
and  one  of  them  a  stranger.  It  was  something  to  know  she 
was  out  of  the  Hands  of  the  destroyer,  but  the  dangers  which 
still  surrounded  her  made  him  all  the  more  eager  to  be  off, 
which  he  and  Teunis  were  determined  upon,  whatever  might 
be  the  conclusion  of  the  present  reverend  conclave. 

The  discussions  now  were  informal,  and  turned  upon  the 
best  way  of  accomplishing  the  desired  object.  As  in  nil  bodies 
of  men,  there  was  a  division  of  opinion.  The  Dominie  headed 
one  side  and  old  Mat  Van  Deusen  the  other.  The  latter  had 
objections  to  everything,  and  every  plan.  He  appeared  to' 
have  no  heart  in  the  matter.  Clarence  made  up  his  mind 
that  here  was  one  of  those  secret  friends  of  the  king,  who 
inwardly  wished  Brandt  to  get  off  with  his  captives.  Could 
the  young  Englishman  only  have  had  the  ear  of  the  Dutch- 
man a  few  minutes,  he  thought,  an  argument  might  be  pro- 
duced,  that  would  prove  powerful  and  efficient.  As  things 
appeared,  nothing  was  likely  to  be  done  by  such  slow  men ; 
and  of  divided  counsel. 

Silence  prevailed,  and  even  darkness  brooded  over  the 
place ;  scarcely  a  face  could  be  distinctly  seen,  for  the  smoke 
that  rose  from  every  mouth.  All  took  the  cue  from  the  chief 
man,  and  he  was  rapt  up  in  his  own  thoughts ;  ami  mighi 


334  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

be  following  after  some  knotty  text,  or  deep  doctrine,  while 
his  counsellors  were  quite  as  silent,  and  their  countenances 
more  meaningless.  But  at  this  juncture  the  door  was  flung 
wide  open  with  haste,  and  in  stepped  Grant  the  Scotchman. 
out  of  breath.  His  first  words  were  : 

"  Minister,  you  and  your  session  there,  sit  greatly  at  your 
ease,  when  the  work  of  treason  is  going  on  round  you." 

"  What  now,  Hugh  Grant,"  said  the  Dominie,  taking  the 
long  pipe  from  his  mouth,  holding  it  ready  for  the  blast. 
"  We  have  seen  you  on  fire  before,"  and  with  that  he  con- 
tinued on  with  his  smoking. 

"  Weel,  weel,"  said  Grant,  "  maybe  you'll  lock  the  stable, 
•when  the  steed  is  stown ;  but  I'll  shake  myself  clear  of  the 
sin  at  ony  rate.  I'm  tauld  that  a'  those  ofiishers  o'  the  king, 
are  awa'  on  a  bunt  to  the  tap  o'  Ben — I  mean  HOUR'  Tap, 
and  that  that  wild  Tory  sergeant  McDonald,  has  gune  with 
them  ;  taken  a  young  lad  dressed  in  the  philabeg  aboon  the 
knee ;  and  it  is  thocht  by  the  maist  of  folks  to  be  nae  one  else 
than  her  that  was  actin'  the  lady  here  before  you  this  morn- 
ing. She,  or  he  is  carrying  dispatches  to  the  sooth  by  that 
way,  since  the  road  by  the  river  is  closed." 

Before  Grant  was  through,  not  a  pipe  but  was  held  be- 
tween the  finger  and  the  thumb  of  its  owner.  The  president 
had  removed  his,  and  was  rolling  up  the  tobacco  bag  with 
care,  evidently  working  himself  up  into  a  state  of  excitement, 
before  he  would  venture  to  express  his  determination.  Even 
old  Mat  Van  Deusen  looked  mad,  at  the  course  things  were 
taking ;  and  was  the  first  to  say,  "  It  is  time  for  us  to  act." 
The  decision  was  becoming  every  moment  more  forcible, 
though  as  yet  nothing  was  spoken,  or  a  movement  from  the 
place  where  they  sat.  Clarence,  all  excitement  and  afraid 
lest  something  might  come  out  concerning  his  knowledge  of 
the  »-eal  state  of  things,  was  planning  within  himself  how  he 
might  leave  without  incurring  the  suspicion  of  those,  who 
unquestionably  knew  more  than  was  expressed. 


MARCHING   TO  THE   MOUNTAINS.  335 


CHAPTER  V. 

FTTH    MARSHALLING   AND    MARCHING   OF  THE    MIGHTY  TO    THE 
MOUNTAINS. 

"  The  more  haste  the  less  speed 
Said  the  tailor  to  the  long  threed." 

SCOTTISH  PBOTKRB. 

DOMINIE  SCHTTNEMAN  had  a  favorite  maxim,  which  he 
put  into  practice  most  faithfully,  as  Cecil  said  to  Queen 
Elizabeth,  "  Let  us  take  time,  that  we  may  make  the  better 
haste."  He  made  ail  sit  down  or  stand  quiet  in  their  places, 
and  knowing  him  well,  they  obeyed  instinctively.  He  gave 
the  cast  to  his  face  which  it  always  took  just  before  he  spoke. 
They  listened  to  what  they  knew  was  coming. 

"  Providence  points  us  to  duty.  As  Vader  Abraham  was 
sent  to  the  slaughter  of  the  kings,  who  came  upon  the  plain, 
he  brought  back  all  the  goods,  and  also  again  his  brother 
Lot,  and  his  goods,  and  the  women  also,  and  much  people. 
'  Tom,  bring  me  the  big  Bible,  till  I  read  how  David,  that 
good  soldier  and  saint,  did,  when  they  came  and  told  him  that 
the  Amalekites  had  invaded  the  south,  and  smitten  Ziglag. 
and  burned  it  with  fire.'  You  will  find  it  in  the  twenty, 
ninth  chapter  of  the  first  book  of  Samuel."  And  he  read  it 
through  with  the  coolest  deliberation,  greatly  to  the  annoy- 
ance of  the  two  impatient  young  men,  who  had  no  resource 
but  to  wait  patiently. 

But  after  reading  this  long  text,  he  commenced  his  exhor- 
tation. "  Brethren,  can  we  sit  still,  and  our  friends  all  in 
the  wolfs  den  ?  Good  hunters  all  of  you,  fathers  and  sons. 
Were  a  painter  to  come  out,  or  a  Avhole  army  of  wildcats  to 
run  down  these  hills,  would  not  the  whole  congregation — 
men,  women  and  kinderen — go  off,  even  on  a  Sunday  after- 
noon, to  kill  them ;  and  there  now  is  that  wolf  Kiskataaru, 
and  his  cubs,  fixing  their  teeth  on  the  cheek  of  Elsie  Scliiiy- 
ler — she  that  every  young  man  in  the  parish  would  run  off 
his  legs  to  get  for  a  wife ;  and  there  you  are  lotting  her  fecht 
it  out  herself.  I  say  the  youth  that  relieves  her  out  of  bond- 
age shall  have  her." 

This  was  met  by  a  cheer  that  made  the  stone  house  ri..;.'. 


836  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Who  will  go  up  with  me  to  Rammothgilead  to  battle  ?" 

"  We  will  all  go,"  was  the  answer ;  "  only  lead  us  out,  and 
we  will  follow  the  one  that  bears  the  ark." 

"  Oh,  yes,"  said  old  Mat  Van  Deusen,  slily,  "  put  the 
Dominie  in  the  front.  He  is  a  good  mark.  They  will  be 
sure  to  hit  him." 

"  Shame  upon  you,  Mat,"  said  the  Dominie,  shaking  at  the 
deacon  his  big  fist ;  "you  have  no  more  courage  than  your 
black  dog  Morgan.  You,  a  Christian  soldier  that  I  have 
been  exercising  so  long  in  the  canons  of  the  church!  Hal 
ha !  deacon,  there  is  for  you,"  and  he  shook  Mat  by  the 
shoulder  till  he  made  his  teeth  chatter,  when  he  declared 
that  it  was  through  perfect  fear. 

"  Now  who  is  ready?  Let  us  all  to  work,"  said  the  pastor, 
rising  himself. 

"I  am  ready,"  said  Torn,  lifting  up  the  clasped  Bible, 
when  his  master's  back  was  turned,  as  if  it  were  a  stone  to 
fling  at  the  head  of  an  enemy,  when  the  Dominie  suddenly 
wheeled  to  see  the  fun,  which  Fie  perceived  must  be  going  on 
behind  him;  the  comical  fellow  jumped  to  the  door  at 
three  steps,  saying  to  those  near  him,  "  O,  lor' !  forty  stripes 
for  supper,  and  one  spoonful  less." 

"  Mr.  Clarence,  this  matter  concerns  you  as  much  as  any 
of  us  ;  but  I  do  not  see  how  you  can  fight  against  the  king's 
servants  conscientiously."  This  was  said  in  a  whisper. 

"  Oh,"  said  Clarence,  "  I  will  serve  humanity  and  affec- 
tion first,  and  the  king  will  receive  his  share  afterward." 

"Alas!  alas!  sir,  these  sentiments  are  sadly  forgotten  in 
these  days  of  blood  and  rapine.  Human  nature  is  a  miserable 
piece  of  inconsistency.  It  turns  out  the  widow  and  the 
orphan  into  the  wilderness,  to  die  of  nakedness  and  hunger, 
or  worse ;  and  one  of  Eve's  other  daughters  is  reft  away  in 
no  worse  manner,  ami  we  will  fly  through  fire  and  water  to 
deliver  that  single  one." 

Clarence  was  left  to  muse  over  these  true  sayings,  while 
the  Dominie  called  out  after  those  around  the  house,  who 
seemed  to  wait  upon  his  orders. 

"  Leftenant  Grant  and  Captain  Salisbury,  drum  up  your 
volunteers,  and  meet,  all  well  armed,  an  hour  hence,  in  the 
church,  with  provisions  in  your  knapsacks  for  three  days  at 
least ;  and  see  that  your  men  be  like  Gideon's  choice  troops, 
not  greedy  of  drink." 

A  general  dispersion  of  all  here  took  place  preparatory  to 
a  march  to  the  mountains  that  night.  No  one  was  more 


MARCHING  TO  THE  MOUNTAINS.          33T 

active  than  old  Mat  Van  Deusen,  who  gave  his  horse  to  a 
young  stripling  at  the  gate,  telling  him  to  "  ride  along  the 
whole  road  to  Coxsackie,  and  be  back  in  time,  after  warning 
every  man,  though  old  Bet  should  fall  in  the  ditch  at  the 
close  of  the  race,  and  you  beside  her."  In  this  way  the  dif- 
ferent roads  were  resounding  with  horses'  hoof* ;  and  there 
was  not  that  day  a  heavy-bottomed  Dutchman  along  the 
Kaatskill  flats.  Once  under  way,  they  swept  the  air 
like  a  weU  ballasted  sloop,  in  a  fair  wind,  through  the 
water. 

Teunis  and  Clarence  took  to  each  other  through  common 
troubles,  so  that  before  an  hour  had  passed,  they  were  sworn 
friends,  and  bound  to  do  their  utmost  for  the  deliverance  of 
those  who  were  dearer  to  them  than  life.  Their  fears  were, 
that  the  little  army  now  mustering  would  be  too  late ;  and 
every  moment's  delay  rendered  them  more  impatient  to  ba 
off  and  up  the  mountain's  side. 

In  a  shorter  time  than  Clarence  could  have  thought  it 
possible  for  any  but  regular  troops  to  have  assembled,  he  saw 
that  the  yard  and  road  around  the  church  were  crowded 
with  men  and  horses,  when  out  from  the  midst  of  them  came 
the  Dominie's  man,  bowing  and  sniggering,  as  he  said, 
"Massa  Domilie  'sire  de  compaly  of  de  gentlemen  in  de 
C'nsistry  room." 

Having  gone  through  with  his  message,  and  walking  back, 
he  sidled  up  to  Teunis,  saying : 

"  Massa  Teunie  hab  on  de  Iiigin  cloades ;  come  frob  Brandt's 
fireplace,  eh  ?" 

"  I  have  been  up  there,"  was  the  dry  reply  of  Teunis, 
"  and  I  am  going  back  again.  Has  the  nigger  any  message 
to  Cuff?"  This  was  intended  to  sound  the  fellow,  whom 
he  suspected  and  intended  to  circumvent. 

"  Tom  vud  like  good  deal  to  see  Cuffee,  ma  goot  frien' ;  de 
great  African  king  in  his  own  Ian'.  He  now  valk  beside  de 
great  Ingin  Mohawk  king,  and,  no  more  'fraid  ob  ole'  Beal 
and  tick  vip.  Ha !  ha !  Cuffee  dat  licked  de  ole  boy  in  do 
dark." 

"Now  Tom,  what  would  your  master  say  if  he  heard  that 
you  wanted  to  see  Cuff?  He  would  suspect  that  you  wanted 
to  do  the  same  thing  to  him  ;  cudgel  him  and  then  sell  him 
to  the  Indians." 

Tom  looked  from  under  his  cap  to  see  if  the  land  was  all 
clear,  and  thinking  that  he  spoke  only  to  the  real  kingsman, 
he  said  under  his  breath  : 

15 


°38  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  O  lor'!  vont  he  roar  ven  de  Mohawk  skins  him." 

Torn,  walked  off,  leaving  the  two  young  men  remarking  to 
each  other,  "  Slavery,  whatever  may  be  said  of  it,  has  two 
sides.  There  are  very  few  of  these  men  in  black  skins, 
who  would  rejoice  at  the  captivity  of  their  masters,  but  there 
are  some  who  would  deliver  them  up.  "  The  Cuff  he  speaks 
of,  lias  just  betrayed  one  of  the  best  of  men.'' 

They  entered  among  the  secret  friands,  who  were  sitting 
in  council.  The  Dominie,  as  usual,  took  up  the  speech,  and 
addressed  them  saying  :  "  We  have  sent  for  you  both,  that 
we  may  have  the  benefit  of  your  information,  and  of  your  ex- 
perience. Teuiiis,  we  shall  hear  you  on  the  first ;  and  you, 
sir,  Clarence,  on  the  second ;  and  as  you  are  both  interested 
in  this  matter  personally,  we  have  a  pledge  that  you  will  be 
sincere." 

The  young  colonist  told  them  all  he  knew  of  the  numbers, 
the  intentions,  and  the  plans  of  the  party  above.  How  many 
real  Indians  there  were,  and  how  many  disguised  Tories. 
"  So  far  as  I  can  guess,  they  have  private  instructions  to  re- 
main on  the  flat  rock,  till  they  do  all  that  can  be  done  to 
secure  one  prisoner  of  great  importance,  a  young  lady  of 
high  note,  who  has  made  her  escape,  and  is  hidden  away  in 
the  clefts  of  the  rocks.  An  officer  of  the  British  army  is 
there,  and  exercises  a  great  influence  over  the  Mohawk ;  so 
that  he  seems  to  do  just  as  he  directs.  How  long  this  may 
remain,  no  one  can  conjecture;  but  to-morrow  is  to  be  the 
great  and  general  hunt ;  what  is  called  by  the  Indian  a  ring. 
One  is  to  start  from  the  camp  now  fixed,  and  spread  three 
miles  wide,  each  man  to  be  within  hearing  of  two  ;  one  be- 
fore and  another  behind.  Then  turning  till  all  meet  at  the 
Kauterskill  Falls.  If  unsuccessful  they  are  to  spread  again, 
as  wide,  coming  round  to  the  dog-pool;  then  rest  tor 
the  day,  and  perhaps  give  up  the  chase.  That  is  all  I  know. 
My  advice  is  to  track  their  circle  and  deliver  their  prisoners, 
raising  the  alarm  so  effectually,  that  they  will  retreat  sud- 
denly, and  they  will  leave  all  they  have  got  behind." 

Clarence,  when  asked,  declined  to  answer,  through  deli- 
cacy, but  really  through  inexperience  in  such  modes  of  war- 
fare. But  he  stated  his  willingness  sincerely  to  follow  any 
leader  who  might  be  appointed  in  an  expedition  that  would 
deliver  those  two  prisoners  out  of  the  hands  of  those  cruel 
foes. 

"  Captain  Van  Vechten,  we  will  hear  your  opinion  con- 
cerning the  best  way  of  delivering  the  birds  out  of  the  snare 


MARCHING  TO  THE  MOUNTAINS.          339 

of  the  fowler."  The  president  here  addressed  a  stout,  slow- 
looking  man,  who  had  not  said  a  word  that  any  one  heard 
that  day.  He  opened  his  eyes  like  some  one  that  is  just 
wakening  out  of  a  slumber ;  and  instead  of  speaking  he 
rolled  out  his  tongue  in  something  of  the  same  way  that  a 
turtle  puts  out  its  head,  when  boys  place  a  hot  coal  upon  its 
back,  moving  its  point  from  side  to  side.  All  knew  his 
weakness,  or  perhaps  his  strength  ;  for  though  he  was  slow 
he  was  sure  to  act,  and  sure  to  speak  to  the  point. 

"  "We  are  going  to  the  mountains  you  say,  to  fight  the  In- 
dians. Let  one  half  of  our  men  be  dressed  in  the  disguise 
that  Teunis  wears,  so  that  our  party  will  mix  with  Brandt's, 
in  the  circle,  and  let  the  other  half  be  a  reserve  to  attack 
their  main  camp,  when  we  will  find  no  difficulty  in  carrying 
off  the  booty.  That  is  all." 

"  Now,  Grant,  let  us  hear  you^"  was  the  chiefs  word  to 
that  curious  worthy;  "see  if  you  can  keep  that  Scotch  blood 
of  yours  cool.  I  declare  I  have  more  trouble  with  these  hasty 
highlanders,  than  with  all  the  rest  of  my  parish." 

This  was  said  in  a  jocular  vein,  but  the  real  intention 
leaked  through,  and  Grant  understood  these  hints  sufficiently 
well  to  bridle  his  tongue  in  part. 

"  'Deed,  minister,  I  own  that  I  am  a  wee  thought  hasty, 
when  troubled  wi'  such  a  hot  spur  as  Sandy  McLeod,  or 
Billy  Salisbury  here  ;  but  mind  you,  that  it's  no  the  rattlin* 
filly  that  gangs  o'er  the  brae  first,  and  that  smooth  water  runs 
deep,  and  the  deil  at  the  bottom  o't  sometimes.  But  minis- 
ter though  you  be,  I'll  tell  you  this  at  ance,  that  neither  I, 
nor  any  one  of  my  company  will  ever  put  on  false  faces,  like 
a  set  of  silly  hug-ma-na  guissards  ;  Jesuits,  naething  else  ; 
wha  would  pretend  to  be  friends  in  the  morning,  then  turn 
round  before  night  and  stick  a  gully-knife  in  a  man's  wame. 
I'm  for  being  up  and  at  it  at  ance,  having  a  fair  fecht  and  din 
we't.  A  true  Indian  is  a  real  gentleman,  we'  a  brown  face 
o'  his  ain  ;  but  a  man  putting  a  feather  in  his  cap,  and  mark- 
ing  his  cheeks  wi*  a  bit  o'  burnt  cork,  and  calling  himself  * 
Mohawk  chief,  I  despise  him  with  a  perfect  scunner." 

"  What  say  ye,  Willy  Salisbury,  man  ?" 

The  person  addressed  had  a  mischievous  pleasure  of  tor- 
menting the  Scotchman,  and  though  they  were  great  friends, 
and  on  all  important  occasions  usually  agreed,  could  not  resist 
the  temptation  of  saying  in  reply: 

"  Grant  has  a  great  distaste  to  the  Indian  dress,  but, 
the  Highlanders  are  only  of  the  same  breed  of  the  \viiJ 


310  THE    DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

men.  Burgoyne  called  the  BLACK  WATCH,  the  English 
savages." 

"  Haud  your  tongue,"  said  Grant,  in  his  good-natured 
fury,  "  you  Sassenach,  if  yo  do  not  want  me  to  put  this  whit- 
tle up  to  the  heft  in  your  buttock.  The  kilt,  let  me  tell  you, 
as  the  minister  said  to  me,  is  the  garb  of  old  Gaul,  and  that 
was  the  pride  of  old  Rome.  When  your  forefathers  came 
doon  to  Scotland  trying  to  enslave  us,  as  they  are  trying  to 
put  the  collar  on  the  neck  o'  this  kintra,  they  had  just  to  look 
at  the  kilt,  and  aff  they  skilped  as  if  a  dirk  was  in  their 
doup." 

"  O,  yes !"  said  the  tormentor,  "  that  was  at  the  race  of 
Colloden ;  my  father  was  there,  and  he  declared  that  it  was 
the  finest  thing  he  ever  saw." 

"  Except,"  said  Grant,  in  something  of  hearty  bitterness, 
"  the  race  o'  Prestonpans,  where  the  English  horsemen  were 
the  first  to  bring  the  news  to  Ernbro  that  they  were  beaten 
by  these  kilted  men,  armed  wi'  hooks  an'  scythes." 

"I  think  you  are  even  now,"  said  the  Dominie,  who  knew 
Grant  too  well  not  to  see  that  his  blood  was  rising.  "  We 
must  come  to  business.  Let  Captain  Van  Vechten  have  the 
charge  of  his  plan,  as  every  one  can  carry  out  their  own 
sohemes  best.  Captain  Salisbury,  you  will  take  charge  of  the 
main  body,  and  let  Grant  have  the  reserve.  We  will  start  all 
together  an  hour  after  sundown  ;  going  by  the  north  side  of 
Ho  and  Top  ;  and  be  sure  that  not  a  whisper  of  this  be  dropped 
outside,  for  that  wily  snake  has  got  his  ears  laid  low  to  the 
ground  already,  and  might  take  us  in  a  lone  place  before  we 
knew  what  was  the  matter.  Let  our  Indian  captain  send  his 
single  scouts  in  all  directions,  to  prevent  surprises.  Our 
rendezvous  at  an  hour  before  sunrise,  a  mile  above  Hermit's 
Hollow,  on  the  side  of  the  North  Mountain.'' 

"  Losh  keeo  us,"  said  Grant,  "  he  is  nae  doubt  going  douu 
to  see  that  Warlock  body  in  the  glen.  He  is  a  fearless  crea- 
ture that  Dominie,  minister  of  ours.  That's  the  way  o'  the 
inini&ters  in  the  highlans  ;  they  are  acquaint  with  a'  the 
witches  in  the  kiutra  side." 

By  this  time  the  volunteers  were  all  come  in,  mostly  very 
young  men,  and  those  past  middle  life,  as  the  able-bodied  of 
the  population  were  away  in  the  army.  A  large  draught 
had  been  made  but  recently  for  the  army  of  the  north,  to  fol- 
low up  the  victory  of  Saratoga,  now  crowned  with  complete 
SUCC3SS  in  the  subjugation  of  Burgoyne.  Had  it  been  a 
Inuring  excursion,  they  on  the  ground  that  day  could  not 


MARCHING   TO   THE   MOUNTAINS.  S4? 

have  entered  into  the  frolic  with  more  zest  and  spirit.  All 
present  had  been  out  night  after  night  many  times  before 
this,  chasing  the  bear  and  the  panther.  Scarcely  a  youth  pre 
sent  but  had  killed  some  of  the  kinds  common  in  the  region, 
and  was  familiar  with  danger.  Even  the  blacks,  who  are  a 
stout,  athletic  race,  many  of  them  the  genuine  "  Guinea  nig- 
ger," and  all  of  them  but  one  or  two  removes  from  the 
original  African,  were  eager  for  the  frolic  ;  and  some  of 
them,  for  secret  reasons,  were  jumping  with  joy. 

"  Boys,"  the  Dominie  cried,  at  the  full  pitch  of  his  voice, 
"  before  we  march  let  us  seek  the  counsel  of  the  Lord."  To 
this  no  objection  was  expressed,  either  in  word  or  by  look. 
The  good  man's  heart  was  brimful  of  devotion,  so  that  he 
poured  out  his  soul  with  all  the  fervency  of  a  saint — now  in 
English  and  then  in  Dutch,  and  sometimes  mixing  the  two 

O  '  O 

languages  in  the  same  sentence ;  all  hearts  were  melted  into 
one  stream.  He  alluded  to  the  cloud  that  hung  over  the 
tabernacle  in  the  wilderness,  and  to  the  safe  guidance  which 
the  army  of  Israel  had  when  tha  ark  was  in  the  van.  "  And 
now  be  not  angry  with  us,  O  Lord,  while  we  venture  up 
into  the  mount.  Let  it  not  prove  to  us  as  the  mountains  of 
Gilboa  did  to  Saul  and  Jonathan  ;  for  if  thou  goest  not  with 
us  we  cannot  go  up  in  peace."  Breaking  out  into  a  trans- 
port, he  forgot  his  English,  or,  perhaps,  he  meant  to  rouse 
up  the  hearts  of  his  sluggish  people  through  the  tongue  they 
loved  best  to  hear ;  he  prayed,  "  De  lieflykheit  des  Heeren 
onzas  G-odts  zy,  ons  en  bevestigt  gy  het  werk  onzen  handen 
over  ons ;  ja  het  werk  onzer  handen  bevestigt  dat."  Amen. 

"  Translate  that  last  sentence  to  me,"  said  Clarence,  who 
was  entranced  by  the  earnestness  of  the  petitioner  ;  "  it  must 
be  good,  it  was  uttered  with  such  spirit,  and  the  effect  of  it 
is  seen  all  around.  I  am  not  without  some  of  the  influence 
myself,  though  I  am  almost  ignorant  of  the  meaning." 

"  It  is  good,"  said  Teunis  ;  "  but  the  Dominie  has  a  hand- 
some way  of  saying  these  things,  which  adds  to  their  effect. 
The  words  at  the  close  were,  "  Let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord 
our  God  be  upon  us,  and  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands 
upon  us  ;  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it." 

"  There  comes  the  ' Yfvrow  !  there  comes  the  'Yfvrow !" 
was  sounded  all  through  the  company.  "  We  will  hear 
something  now." 

"  You  seem  to  be  in  a  hurry,"  was  the  salutation  of  Mat  Van 
Deusen  to  the  lady  of  the  parsonage.  "  You  put  me  in  mind 
of  the  big  East  Indiaman  that  my  father  says  he  saw,  he.vv  y 


342  THE   DUTCH   DOMINTE. 

loaded,  coming  down  the  Scheldt,  on  her  outward  bound 
voyage." 

"  Hurry,  indeed,  as  you  say,  Mat  Van  Deusen,  when  a 
woman's  life  is  to  be  left  exposed  to  savages,  and  worse  men 
Dominie  Schuneman,  where  are  you  going  ?"  said  the  jolly 
'Yfvrow,  "  leaving  me  here  in  charge  of  a  whole  parish,  white 
and  black,  and  " 

"  These  young  darlings  at  your  heels,"  was  the  filling  up 
which  the  husband  gave  to  the  sentence  begun  by  the  careful 
wife.  He  knew  that  she  would  oppose  his  going,  and  had  hid- 
den it  from  her  to  the  last  moment ;  and  now  that  he  was  all 
ready  he  had  no  objections  to  her  bidding  him  good-bye, 
while  all  the  family  followed  for  the  same  purpose. 

"  Where  are  you  going,  Dominie  ?"  she  renewed  her  ques- 
tion, with  a  softer  look.  Her  fine,  full  face  glowed  like  a 
morning  sun,  and  her  tall,  rather  heavy  form,  in  the  excite- 
ment of  the  moment,  had  life  throughout  the  whole,  which 
gave  it  elasticity  and  motion,  quick  and  graceful.  The 
Dominie  stood  entranced,  but  not  in  the  least  hesitating,  as 
she  said  energetically,  "  You  will  get  your  neck  broken  on 
some  of  these  night  expeditions  ;  you  will  not  escape  the  lead 
always  that  the  wicked  man  has  run  for  you.  Can  you  not 
leave  such  work  to  them  that  should  do  it,  and  mind  the 
business  that  properly  belongs  to  you." 

"  'Yfvrow,  'Yfvrow !  my  work  is  to  do  good  for  God  and  to 
my  country,  as  did  the  high  priest  of  old,  who  buckled  the 
sword  of  Goliah  on  the  patriotic  David,  and  blessed  him, 
sending  him  forth  to  battle." 

"  Yaw,  yaw !  but  he  did  not  go  himself,  but  stayed  at 
home,  attending  upon  his  work  in  the  tabernacle." 

"  You  have  forgotten,  'Yfvrow,  that  he  went  before,  carry- 
ing the  ark  in  the  sight  of  the  people." 

"  Dominie  Schuneman,"  said  the  softened  but  proud  wife, 
"  we  have  not  all  been  at  Leyden,  so  I  cannot  argue  with  you 
in  that  style ;  but  affection  pleads  in  me  more  powerfully 
than  learning." 

As  the  tear  glistened  in  the  eye  of  the  wife  and  the  mother, 
and  there  was  not  a  man  there  who  would  have  ventured  to 
call  the  Dominie  a  coward  had  he  remained  at  home — but  the 
man  of  God  was  made  of  sterner  stuff  than  to  yield  up  at 
such  a  juncture — he  said  : 

"All  that  you  say  is  true,  Maria;  but  there  are  other 
parents  in  the  world  besides  us.  There  is  Martinus  and 
Anshela  Schuyler  crying  after  their  dochter  Elsie  the  niece 


MARCHING   TO   THE   MOUNTAINS.  343 

of  oui  good  friend  the  general ;  and  she  i:s  away  into  cap- 
tivity somewhere  iu  the  mountains :  and  what  would  we  say 
if  our  little  dawty  there  was  in  the  same  place,  and  no  one 
willing  to  risk  a  gun-shot  for  her  life." 

The  good  'Yvfrow  smiled,  and  looking  through  her  tears, 
asked  if  he  intended  "  to  let  all  these  men  go  off  hungry  to 
the  hills  ?" 

In  a  few  minutes  all  the  servants  of  the  house  were  seen  out 
on  the  road,  loaded  with  all  sorts  of  eatables  and  drinkables. 
These  were  spread  out  on  the  horse  blocks,  on  the  pews  in- 
side the  church,  and  even  on  the  flat  gravestones  outside. 
The  parting  meal  was  made  up  of  ham  and  eggs,  sausages 
and  roiiches.  Breads  of  all  kinds  of  Hour,  and  cakes  without 
number  ;  ole  cake,  Johny  cake,  crawley  cake,  fritter  cake,  and 
buckwheat  cake  ;  with  more  of  Dutch  names  than  would  be 
safe  for  any  man  to  speak  of.  Grant  said  "these  Dutch 
words  always  stretched  his  jaw  so  that  he  would  as  soon  read 
the  tenth  chapter  of  Nehemiah,  when  he  was  hungry,  as  try 
to  learn  to  speak  them ;  unless,"  he  added,  "  this  wife  o'  the 
minister  should  be  my  schule  master ;  for  verily  she  is  a  per- 
fect Abigail,  wi'  her  loaves  and  her  wine,  and  her  hundred 
kinds  o'  cakes ;  but  there  is  a  kind  she  has  na  got  yet,  and 
that  was  ait  cake :  and  as  for  the  Dominie  himself,  he  aye  be- 
lieved that  there  must  be  some  Scotch  blind  in  his  veins,  he 
was  sic  a  sensible  body." 

The  good  dame  having  got  over  her  fears,  went  from  place 
to  place,  urging  upon  them  all  to  eat ;  flinging  down  at  the 
same  time  a  slice  of  rye  bread  on  this  place,  and  a  piece  of  pork 
on  that ;  and  not  passing  one  by,  unless  she  showed  her  kind- 
uess  practically.  A  good  word  she  had  for  all.  When  she 
came  to  Teunis,  she  urged  him  to  eat,  and  be  sure  and  tell 
Elsie  that  she  would  expect  her  to  come  down  and  spend 
a  week  with  her  at  the  parsonage,  till  the  Hoogenhuisc'ii  was 
built  again.  Turning  to  Clarence,  she  put  on  the  dignity 
of  a  duchess,  hoping  he  would  soon  find  his  sister ;  and  as 
this  was  an  easy  route  to  return  by,  it  would  be  good  to 
spend  a  night  by  the  way  after  her  fright.  At  the  tirno  sl-e 
was  saying  this  to  him,  she  was  pouring  out  a  glass  of  her 
best  Hollands  for  his  particular  use. 

"  You  will  find  us,  sir,"  she  said,  "  plain,  true  hearted  folk, 
who  know  both  how  to  treat  a  friend  and  a.  foe." 

Clarence  drank  her  health  standing,  with  his  hat  in  band  ; 
wishing  that  "  never  worse  than  the  present  might  bo  seen  by 
him  or  his  iriends  on  any  side  of  the  sea." 


344  THE   DUTCH   DOMTME. 

All  were  now  ready  to  march  agreeably  to  the  order  laid 
down.  The  Dominie  and  about  ten  of  the  ancients  of  the 
town  were  in  the  saddle.  Tom,  that  sh'ppery  dog,  had  charge 
of  what  might  be  called  a  sumpter  horse,  since  on  its  back 
was  a  large  bag  of  all  kinds  of  necessaries  ;  and  his  master's 
cloak,  which  the  careful  'Yfvrow  had  ordered  to  be  strapped 
behind,  so  that  he  might  have  it  ready  for  immediate  use, 
Coming  up  close  to  his  stirrup  iron,  she  said : 

"  Now,  Dominie,  see  that  you  take  good  care  of  yourself, 
and  tie  this  round  your  mouth  to  keep  out  the  night  air  and 
the  cauld  dews  ;  and  mind  me  and  the  kinderen  ;  as  she 
looked  up  in  his  face  more  softly  than  she  would  have 
done  an  hour  before. 

"Get  away  with  you,  now,  Maria,"  as  he  held  down  his 
head  to  her  cheek ;  "  you  know  that  I  am  never  cold ;  my 
feet  are  always  out  of  bed  at  night.  My  head,  you  tell  me, 
often  is  too  hot ;  but  you  know,  Maria,  dearest,  my  heart  is 
never  cold ;  and  for  you  and  the  kinderen  it  is  always  glow- 
ing warm." 

Here  the  equally  warm-hearted  wife  lifted  her  head  a  little 
nearer  to  the  saddle  girths,  as  the  good  man  said,  in  his  usual 
half  jesting  way,  when  he  wished  to  be  familiar  and  fond  : 

"  Indeed,  wife,  I  think  were  I  laid  in  the  clay  there,  my 
heart  would  throb  back  to  you,  were  you  to  put  your  hand 
on  the  turf." 

A  tear  sparkled  in  the  'Yfvrow's  eye ;  and  as  the  men  had 
moved  off  a  little  way,  she  embraced  her  lord  most  heartily ; 
as  he  rode  away  from  her  sight,  saying,  "  the  Lord  be  with 
thee." 


BOOK    IV. 
THE  FAILURE  OF  BRANDT; 

SHOWING 

THE  STRENGTH  OF  INDIAN  AMBITION  AND  REVENGE, 

AND 
HOW  THEY  WERE  FRUSTRATED. 


BOOK  IV. 


THE  Mohawk  chief  ostensibly  sought  to  obtain  a  diversion 
in  favor  of  Burgoyne,  but  that  was  not  his  main  design. 
He  was  proud  of  being  the  hereditary  king  of  the  Six 
Nations,  cherishing  the  name  and  the  fame  of  Hendrick, 
who  fought  for  that  title  with  a  forecast  and  a  vigor  worthy 
of  any  ancient  hero.  The  honor  bestowed  upon  Hendrick  by 
Queen  Anne,  along  with  other  Indian  chiefs,  had  made  him 
mad  after  more  honors  ;  and  as  he  had  but  one  rival  worthy 
of  the  rank,  he  resolved  to  contend  openly  with  E-tau-o-quam 
in  his  place  on  the  Hudson,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kaatskill, 
which  he  had  done  twenty  years  before,  coming  off  victo- 
riously. 

The  tradition  of  that  great  event  was  cherished  with  vene- 
ration by  the  Mohawk  nation,  and  induced  them  willingly, 
to  make  the  attack  upon  the  same  point  now,  in  full  confi- 
dence of  gaining  honor  from  their  Great  Father,  over  the 
big  waters,  as  heretofore.  The  vast  West  was  at  the  com- 
mand of  some  one,  daring  enough  to  seize  the  power,  and  who 
so  able  and  willing  as  Brandt  ?  The  impossibility  of  uniting 
the  king's  armies  of  the  North  and  the  South,  presented  a 
most  favorable  chance  for  cutting  the  rebels  in  two,  and  thus 
leaving  them  like  a  serpent  that  lies  on  a  path  intercepting  a 
march,  to  wriggle  out  life.  To  obtain  joint  possession  of 


34:8  BOOK   IV. 

Wantonia — tne  island  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kaatskill — was  the 
purpose  of  the  Mohawk.  Divided,  the  American  patriots  must 
yield,  or  be  greatly  weakened  by  the  forces  brought  against 
them  at  all  points.  To  execute  this  scheme,  Butler,  the 
notorious  Englishman,  and  his  brother,  had  made  themselves 
favorites  with  the  Indian  tribes,  from  their  sheer  desire  for  blood 
and  rapine,  resembling  more  the  appetite  of  a  panther  than 
the  generous  enmity  of  a  civilized  foe.  Willing  to  carry  out 
their  hatred  at  all  sacrifices,  they  gave  up  the  honor  of  com- 
manding, into  the  hands  of  the  Mohawk,  who,  in  return  for 
these  honors,  which  gratified  his  ambition  and  his  pride,  lent 
them  his  influence  and  his  braves,  who  proved  themselves 
but  too  willing  to  follow  wherever  Butler  led.  Hence  we 
have  the  massacre  Wyoming  to  record,  which  was  to  have 
been  followed,  in  due  time,  by  similar  attacks  all  along  the 
lines,  till  it  would  be  impossible  to  raise  men  who  would  be 
willing  to  follow  Washington  or  Gates,  leaving  their  dis- 
tricts open  to  the  attack  of  these  cruel  assassins  of  women 
and  children. 

This  savage  force,  which  was  becoming  every  day  more 
formidable,  had  a  wide  territory  on  which  to  exercise  their 
designs  undisturbed.  No  wise  general  in  the  present  state 
of  the  frontiers,  would  dare  to  venture  an  army  into  a  dense 
wilderness  where  no  support  could  be  obtained,  and  all 
retreat  cut  off  from  their  base  of  operations.  It  seems  to 
be  a  maxim  with  military  men,  that  the  possessor  of  the 
heights  has  the  command  of  the  country.  A  salutary  fear 
prevented  all  the  officers  in  command  from  an  attempt  to 
dislodge  an  enemy  seemingly  intrenched  behind  the  strongest 
wall  nature  herself  could  raise. 

It  was,  therefore,  all  the  more  remarkable,  that  the  at- 


BOOK  rv.  349 

tempt  of  the  Dominie  to  drive  Brandt  and  his  allies  back 
from  the  verge  of  the  precipice,  should  be  undertaken  by 
one  ignorant  of  such  an  old  and  unrepealed  rule  of  war. 
Perhaps  the  very  ignorance  of  a  non-official  man,  possessed 
of  good  common  sense,  may  have  been  the  very  cause  of  his 
seeming  temerity.  Had  any  of  the  superior  men  at  arms 
come  along  and  shaken  their  heads  in  doubt  of  success, 
it  is  likely  that  the  good  Dominie  Schuneman  would  have 
hesitated;  but  having  been  many  times  after  wolves 
among  these  heights,  he  always  found  that  if  he  could  suc- 
ceed in  mounting  up  still  higher,  there  was  small  cause  of 
fear,  when  the  hunter  was  brave  and  well  armed.  The  time 
may  come  when  this  daring  common  sense  shall  take  the 
place  of  that  theoretical  caution  which  lets  an  enemy 
remain  undisturbed,  provided  he  is  in  possession  of  a  hill- 
side. The  historian,  in  faithfully  narrating  this  first  blow  at 
the  barbarians  on  the  mountains,  may  show  to  the  high 
authorities  of  the  land,  how  the  key  to  the  vast  and  un- 
known West  can  be  applied  again  successfully,  in  opening 
that  rocky  barrier  which  shuts  the  whole  world  out,  and  yet 
leaves  the  savage  a  means  of  escape. 


CHAPTER  I. 

HUNTING  THE   LION   AND   HIS   TAWNY   WHELPS. 

"  As  when  some  huntsman  with  a  flying  spear 
From  the  blind  thickets  wounds  a  stately  deer, 
Down  his  cleft  side,  while  fresh  the  blood  distills, 
He  bounds  aloft  and  scuds  t'rom  hills  to  hills, 
Till  life's  warm  vapor  issuing  from  the  wound, 
Wild  mountain  wolves  the  fainting  beast  surround." 

POPS. 

ALL  being  ready,  the  rude  soldiers  moved  away  under  the 
command  of  their  several  leaders,  a  motley  and  irregular 
band,  at  sight  of  which  the  well  trained  and  practised  smiled. 
They  were  like  a  fleet  of  Newcastle  colliers  putting  to  sea, 
roaring,  tugging,  screaming  at  the  full  pitch  of  their,  lungs, 
each  one  in  the  others'  way.  The  man-of-war's  man,  fresh 
from  Portsmouth,  would  turn  the  quid  in  his  mouth,  drawing 
up  the  wide  trowsers,  as  he  swore  an  oath  at  these  landlub- 
bers pretending  to  be  jack  tars.  But  after  waiting  a  short 
time,  he  sees  them  all  out  to  sea  and  on  their  vogage. 

Every  one  of  this  straggling  crew,  had  an  individual  mind, 
and  every  one  watched  the  movements  of  the  Dominie,  who 
at  length  rode  up  with  fury  that  he  might  take  the  lead  in 
the  cavalcade. 

"  There  he  goes  noo  at  last,"  said  the  impatient  Grant, 
"  like  another  Abrauhaum,  going  after  the  slaughter  of  the 
kings  ;  and  literally  true  is  it  as  the  Scriptur  says,  wi'  his 
armed  servants,  three  hundred  and  aughteen,  pursuing  them 
even  unto  Dan." 

"  Do  you  think,"  said  Salisbury,  "  that  he  will  bring  back 
Ids  brother  L<9t  and  his  goods  and  the  women  also." 

"  Nae  saying,  nae  saying,"  was  Grant's  sincere  answer,  "  he 
is  a  bauld  creature  that  Dominie,  and  a  stout  body  till  the 
bargain." 

Teunis  and  Clarence  were  considered  as  independent  vo- 
lunteers, and  went  together  with  more  thougbtfulness  than 
pervaded  the  company  in  general,  who  had  not  so  much  at 

851 


352  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

stake.  Even  the  reverend  leader  joked  ;  Tom  whistled  what 
he  durst  not  speak  out,  and  until  they  got  within  the  line  of 
the  enemy,  expressed  their  feelings  as  they  deemed  best. 
After  they  reached  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  they  were 
ordered  to  speak  less  and  in  a  quieter  tone.  By  and  by  the 
Dominie  told  them  their  march  must  be  in  silence. 

"  Down  in  dc  belly,  spose,"  Tom  said  he  knew  "  'hem  nig- 
ger did  dat ;  could  make  himself  tink  two  nigger  in  him  at 
onon ;  one  down  cellar  noder  up  stair." 

"  llold  your  peace,  you  scoundrel ;  now,  when  I  think  of  it, 
the  forty  stripes  must  come  oif  soon,  else  we  shall  have  the 
mountain  echoes  resounding  with  your  pig  squealing." 

"  Lor'  massa,  me  can't  help  telling  Brandt  w'ere  massa  am 
if  him  gib  forty  save  vone  dis  night ;  best  'spense  wid  de 
forty  and  gib  de  one." 

*'  And  a  good  one  let  it  be  then,"  said  the  Dominie,  as  he 
unexpectedly  struck  over  the  shoulders  of  the  unsuspecting 
Tom ;  who  roared  out  so  lustily  that  there  was  some  tear  of 
wakening  up  the  wild  human  and  bestial. 

Clarence  and  Teunis  had  made  up  their  minds  to  go  for- 
ward and  reconnoitre  the  state  of  affairs ;  and  there  seemed 
to  be  no  immediate  objections  to  that  course.  But  Grant, 
to  whom  they  broke  their  mind,  did  not  exactly  relish  the 
movement  on  the  part  of  two  untried  men,  still  wearing  the 
livery  of  the  king.  He  did  not  exactly  suspect  them  of 
treachery,  but  he  deemed  it  best  to  be  cautious.  He  said,  as 
if  incidentally : 

"  You  will  run  great  risk,  callants,  only  twa  o'  you  among 
so  many  Tory  Indians.  If  they  catch  you  they  will  roast 
you  like  a  red  herring." 

"We  have  planned  all  that,  you  see,"  said  Teunis.  "I  have 
got  on  their  dress  already,  and  I  can  easily  get  a  disguise  for 
my  friend  here.  We  intend  joining  them,  so  that  we  may 
be  near  the  girls,  should  their  place  of  refuge  be  discovered." 

"'  Wull  to  cooper,  gang  to  cooper,'  as  they  say  in  Fife  ;  but 
I  wouldna  disguise  my  face  for  all  the  lasses  that  ever  lilted 
a  strathspey.  An  Indian  garb  is  a  mean  looking  thing  at  the 
best,  and  I  cannot  help  suspecting  the  man  that  puts  it  on. 
You  maun  just  excuse  me  for  sayin'  what  I  do  say." 

Teunis,  who  did  get  flushed  in  the  face  at  the  insinuation, 
put  in  here  a  word  concerning  his  fidelity,  and  he  was  con- 
ning a  speech  in  accordance  with  his  fiery  look,  which  would 
certainly  have  produced  trouble,  as  the  hasty  Scot  only 
wanted  the  chance  of  giving  expression  to  his  doubts,  when 


HUNTING   THE   LION  AND   HIS   TAWNY   WHELPS.          353 

Clarence  with  great  address,  turned  the  mind  of  Grant  into 
his  favorite  theme  by  asking : 

"  How  that  valley  down  below  there  would  compare  with 
the  sceneiy  of  Scotland.  You  have  been  up  here,  of  course, 
in  the  day  time,  and  can  judge." 

"  Oh,  aye,  sir,  I  have  been  up  here  hunting  wi'  the  lads 
that  are  prisoners  down  in  the  toon ;  and  to  be  honest,  I 
think  the  size  of  the  country  tak's  away  from  the  feeling  of 
pleasure  I  used  to  hae,  when  I  looked  down  frae  a  Scottish 
mountain." 

"  But  does  not  that  make  the  sublimity  all  the  more,  if 
there  be  a  sufficient  variety  of  hill  and  dale,  wood  and  water, 
interspersed.  And  then,  surely  the  forest  rising  up  as  this 
does  to  the  very  top,  must  be  more  beautiful  at  all  tunes  of 
the  year  than  the  bare  furze  on  the  Scottish  mountains." 

"  Heather  sir,  heather  is  the  word.  There  is  music  in  the 
very  soond  o'  the  word,  and  as  to  the  sight,  I  have  seen  nae- 
thing  here  thnt  can  stand  a  comparison  with  the  bloom  o'  the 
heather.  Oh  no,  sir ;  they  have  nae  sangs  about  the  woods 
up  here,  nor  the  streams.  I  never  heard  a  lassie  in  this 
whole  land  singing  the  sma'est  lilt  about  the  hills  and  bur- 
nies  in  all  this  Ian'.  Man,  if  you  gang  up  Ben  Cruachan,  or 
down  the  dale  o'  Aberfeldy,  you  would  think  all  nature 
vocal." 

"  True,  true  ;  but  then  the  Scotch  are  a  singing  race  of  peo- 
ple, and  they  have  had  such  a  noble  history,  it  makes  the 
natives  glud." 

"  That's  a'  true,  and  finely  said,"  was  the  answer  of  the 
flattered  Scot,  "  frae  you  that's  an  Englishman  ;  for  nae 
doubt,  you  hae  been  in  Scotland,  hunting  in  the  Highlands. 
If  you  have  stood  on  the  tap  o'  Ben  Ledi,  you  have  seen 
another  sight  than  what  you  will  see  the  morn  at  sunrise 
here  ;  and  you  will  see  eneuch  here  to  make  your  een  glance, 
I'll  allow." 

"Keeping  out  of  view  the  associations  of  the  Scottish 
scenery,  where  to  your  mind  lies  the  difference  between 
them  ?"  asked  his  new  acquaintance,  who  was  anxious  to  keep 
the  good  opinion  of  Grant,  who  would  be  a  formidable  enemy 
if  enraged,  or  even  were  he  to  remain  prejudiced,  as  he  was 
evidently  against  him  and  Teunis. 

"  I  think,  sir,  that  the  chief  difference  between  wh.at  we 
see  here,  and  that  of  a  Scottish  mountain  and  glen,  with  all 
the  rest  that  surround  them,  lies  in  the  fact  that  you  can  take 
in  all  Ben  Lomond  and  the  loch  bclo\v,  with  the  island.'' 


354  THE    DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

out,  down  to  Dumbarton,  and  on  to  Tintock  tap,  at  ae  glance  ; 
and  it's  all  grand.  But,  here  man,  everything  is  on  sic  a  great 
scale,  that  I  canna  comprehend  it.  My  head  gets  so  dizzy 
that  I  feel  as  if  a'  my  thoughts  had  turned  into  bumble  bees. 
Just  this  minute,  as  I'm  looking  down  in  the  dark,  rny  brain 
is  maer  like  a  bike  before  it  hives  aff  than  anything  else.  Do 
you  no  feel  something  like  it  yourself,  sir  ?" 

"  I  confess,  Grant,  that  my  head  is  turned  after  all  I  have 
seen  and  heard  this  day,"  said  the  young  man,  anxious  to 
keep  the  lieutenant  from  the  subject  of  Teunis'  departure, 
as  he  perceived  his  new  friend  negotiatiag  the  matter  with 
the  chiefs ;  "  but  if  I  may  guess  from  what  you  say,  there 
must  be  a  fine  uncultivated  field  for  the  future  poet  in  that 
very  greatness  and  mistiness,  which  meet  in  the  far  off 
horizon,  where  the  other  mountain  tops  just  peer  through 
the  clouds.  And  that  noble  river,  running  through  the  centre 
where  the  forests  are  ever  living  and  moving." 

"  You  are  very  eloquent  on  what  you  have  never  seen  yet ; 
out  even  your  description  does  not  come  up  half  to  it;  and  as 
you  say  yoursel',  it  will  require  some  poet  like  Allan  Ramsay 
to  sing  about  it.  At  any  rate,  it  will  be  a  lang  while  before 
this  can  compare  wi'  the  hills  o'  Caledonia.  Daunie  McGre- 
gor there  will  tell  you,  that  the  hill  o'  Kenmore,  where  the 
Yerl  of  Breadalbane  has  his  house,  is  as  like  the  Garden  o* 
Eden  as  this  mountain  is  like  that  where  Noah's  ark  rested 
after  the  flood.  Indeed,  I  doutna  but  the  auld  carle  when 
he  looked  frae  his  craw's  nest  out  o'er  the  plains  of  Shinar,  as 
the  folks  here  do,  when  they  look  out  on  that  valley  where 
the  sun  shines  noo,  said  that  will  be  a  bonny  country  when 
it  is  a*  peopled,  and  growing  o'er  wi'  corn,  and  the  river  Hud- 
son there  speckled  wi'  sails.  But  man,  whan  that  takes  place, 
we  will  a'  be  lying  beneath  the  yird;  and  what  the  better 
am  I  ?" 

Grant  would,  with  a  willing  listener,  as  nis  present  auditor 
proved  to  be,  have  gone  on  till  the  morning  in  the  same  strain  ; 
but  Clarence,  perceiving  that  Teunis  had  succeeded  in  con- 
vincing the  Dominie  of  the  excellence  of  his  plan,  allowed 
him  to  give  his  own  report,  and  all  the  leaders  were  called 
together,  that  there  might  be  a  proper  understanding  in  the 
morning. 

"  We  must  fix  upon  a  signal"  said  the  Dominie,  "  for  we  have 
a  wily  serpent  to  deal  with,  and  we  cannot  guard  ourselves 
too  well.  What  shall  the  word  be  ?" 

"  Tho  sword  of  the  Lord  and  of  Schuneman,"  shouted  out 


HUNTIXG   THE   LION    AND   HIS   TAWNY   WHELPS.  355 

the  enthusiastic  Grant,  as  if  he  had  made  a  discovery  of  per- 
petual motion  and  was  afraid  it  might  slip  back  down  hift 
throat  before  he  could  give  it  out.  "  The  sword  of  the  Lord 
and  of  Sch uneman,"  he  repeated,  to  be  sure  that  he  heard  it 
himself.  They  were  about  to  give  a  cheer,  but  restraining, 
themselves  said  "  Amen  :  so  let  it  be." 

And  so  the  two  young  men  left,  careful  to  bid  Grant  the 
most  cordial  good  bye. 

"  ISToo,"  said  that  worthy,  after  they  were  gone,  "  it's  my 
opinion  that  we  have  not  shown  muckle  sense  in  that.  What 
would  you  say  if  the  whole  o'  that  telling  of  theirs  was  just  a 
scheme  to  get  up  here,  where  we  canna  help  us'?  Ane  of 
them  is  a  king's  man,  we  are  sure,  and  the  other  to  my 
mind  is  a  great  deal  worse.  Baith  o'  them  are  in  disguise  : 
and  a  man  who  will  put  on  a  false  face  for  ane  thing  will  do 
it  for  anither.  It  would  not  surprise  me  to  fin'  ourselves  cor- 
bie's meat  before  the  mornin'." 

Some  of  the  young  men  were  so  impressed  with  this  speech 
of  Grant,  that  they  offered  to  ride  forward  and  bring  the  two 
scouts  back.  But  this  was  overruled  by  the  general  opinion 
of  their  honesty.  Indeed,  Grant  himself  did  not  believe  all 
r  3  said,  for  he  added : 

"  I  took  quite  a  liking  to  that  chiel  Clarence  frae  the  first ; 
he  tauld  such  a  straught  story,  and  for  ane,  I  am  ready  to 
fecht  for  him,  and  for  his  sister  when  it  comes  to  blows." 

Teunis,  having  Clarence  in  charge,  felt  all  the  responsibility 
of  a  man,  on  whom  the  success  of  a  great  enterprise  depends ; 
but  so  far  from  sinking  under  the  burden,  that  he  grew 
stronger,  able  to  endure  anything,  or  to  accomplish  the  most 
difficult  undertaking.  He  was  casting  about  in  his  mind  the 
different  ways  which  it  might  be  best  for  him  to  pursue,  when 
quick  as  a  flash  he  fixed  on  the  most  perilous — being  none 
else  than  that  through  which  Elsie  had  led  Miss  Clinton  two 
nights  before  this. 

The  two  young  men  climbed  a  tree,  so  as  to'get  a  full  view. 
The  sky  was  lurid,  and  the  din  that  rose  from  the  camp  of 
Brandt  and  his  allies  was  ominous  of  coining  war.  This, 
however,  was  a  proof  of  unconsciousness  concerning  an  ene- 
my approaching.  Clarence  looked  down,  with  the  eye 
of  a  romantic  youth,  as  well  as  of  a  soldier ;  and  as  he  saw 
the  fires  ranged  in  a  half  circle,  cut  by  a  deep,  dark  gulf  at 
the  distance,  he  imagined  a  thousand  things  of  which  he  had 
read  and  dreamed  of  the  red  man. 

Round  each  fire,  men  were  seen   moving  like  thn  blnc!< 


356  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE, 

spirits  of  pandemonium.  The  few  days  they  had  been  there 
had  quieted  the  rude,  and  made  the  intelligent  more  reflec- 
tive; still  there  were  songs  and  coarse  jests  going  on,  which 
made  the  woods  ring  with  their  noise. 

"  Is  that  high  ground  we  see  there  on  the  south  ?"  said 
Clarence,  after  a  pause. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Teunis,  in  a  whisper,  for  he  knew  that 
sentinels  were  near.  "  Your  soldierly  eye  is  laying  out  the 
battle  for  to-morrow,  but  the  Mohawk  has  not  left  himself 
without  a  way  of  retreat." 

"  Well  for  him,"  said  the  other,  now  also  under  his  breath, 
"  for,  I  declare,  it  makes  my  nerves  tingle  to  see  how  easily 
the  whole  might  be  surprised,  and  put  to  flight.  But  how  I 
should  like  to  see  all  these  dusky  warriors  start  up  at  the 
sound  of  the  trumpet." 

"  The  war-whoop  you  mean,  sir  ;  but  it  makes  the  Dutch 
blood  in  my  veins  curdle  when  I  see  these  fiends,  not  soldiers, 
hiding  themselves  till  the  time  comes  for  them  to  shoot  out 
their  fiery  tongues." 

"  You  are  right,  friend  Teunis  ;  as  Hook  down,  my  memory 
helps  me  to  words  that  suit  the  scene  before  us  well :  '  It  was 
a  place  for  the  habitations  of  carnal  sinners.  The  winds,  full 
of  stiffened  voices,  buffeted  their  souls,  forever  whirling  them 
away  to  and  fro,  dashing  them,  the  one  against  the  other.' 
There  is  a  crowd  driven  in  a  body  like  dark  stars  by  a  sul- 
phureous blast." 

Teunis,  who  never  had  heard  of  Dante,  and  was  in  no  mood 
for  imaginary  description,  said  in  low  tones,  as  if  afraid  the 
Mohawk  might  hear  him,  "  You  may  distinguish  Brandt's 
tent  by  its  standing  in  front  of  all  the  rest ;  can  you  see 
figures  moving  ?'' 

"  I  do,'*  said  the  young  scholarly  soldier,  replying  in  the 
words  of  the  same  poet ;  "  '  'Tis  hell,  thick  smoke  carved  into 
images  black,  yet  lustrous ;  shapes  of  dignity,  they  dwell 
apart.'  " 

The  two  young  men,  descending  from  the  tree,  prepared 
for  the  morrow.  Already  Clarence  had  determined  on  join 
ing  the  army  of  the  Mohawk,  as  the  surest  way  of  keeping 
the  dishonorable  Clifford  in  view.  But  before  he  could  do 
that  effectually,  he  must  change  the  dress  he  had  on,  and 
obtain,  if  possible,  one  of  those  disguises  which  Teunis  and 
others  had  assumed.  He  communicated  his  purpose  to^  hit» 
companion,  who,  though  he  feared  the  result,  saw  in  it  a 
boldness,  which  would  if  anything,  insure  it  success.  At 


THE   HEAD   IN   THE   LION's   MOUTH.  357 

the  worst  he  could  reveal  himself,  and  thus  claic*  the  protec- 
tion of  the  Mohawk. 

"You  may  obtain  this,"  said  Teunis,  when  Clarence 
inquired  for  the  disguise,  "  for  the  king's  clink.  There  are 
plenty  of  such  garments  to  be  had  down  there." 

"Well,  go,  and  I  will  remain  here  for  a  time;  my  blood 
boils  and  I  need  sleep  to  cool  my  brain ;  I  shall  lie  down 
here  for  an  hour  or  two." 

"  Not  there,"  said  Teunis ;  "  but  come  with  me  wid  you 
shall  have  the  bed  that  your  sister  and  Elsie  had  on  the  night 
I  have  told  you  of." 

"  None  better  than  that  where  I  can  dream  ot  her  «nd  of 
home." 

With  that,  Teunis  led  his  companion  to  the  place  of  repose 
already  described,  which  he  spread  with  branches  and  a  fur 
robe  he  had  at  hand,  and  advised  Clarence  not  to  stir  till  the 
word  of  the  party  was  given  before  sunrise. 

They  parted  with  this  understanding. 


CHAPTER  IL 

THE   HEAD   IN  THE   LION'S   MOUTH. 

"  Honesty  Is  current  coin ;  uprightness  is  fine  silver ;  probity,  gold  without  alloy ;  bet 
integrity  is  gold,  tried  and  purified." 

OLD  DIVIXE. 

OUR  young  Dutchman,  left  once  more  alone  to  his  own 
thoughts,  was  feeling  every  moment  more  heavily  upon  him 
the  pressure  of  his  responsibility.  Everything  appeared  to 
depend  upon  his  prudence  and  his  boldness.  The  young 
soldier  he  had  just  parted  with  trusted  him  ;  the  two  he  had 
seen  in  the  morning  at  the  falls,  were  waiting  his  return  at 
sunrise ;  to-morrow  the  Dominie  had  pledged  himself  on 
Tennis's  behalf;  the  mysterious  being  in  the  hollow  was  ex- 
pecting a  visit  from  him  at  midnight ;  Martin,  father  of 
Elsie-,  Bad  begun  to  tnist  him  ;  and  above  all  these  reasons,  was 
the  consideration  that  Elsie  herself  had  made  his  fidelity  to  this 
good  cause  the  price  of  her  heart  to  him.  Never  did  ho 
teel  till  this  moment  that  so  much  depended  upon  his  faithful- 
ness and  wisdom.  Under  all  of  these  obligations  he  did  not 
staggei.  ili.s  foat  pressed  the  ground  more  firmly  at  i;vi>>  v 


358  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

step,  while  he  moved  cautiously,  where  he  knew  the  sen- 
tinels were  posted ;  courageously  going  forward,  he  resolved 
at  once  to  present  himself  at  the  camp,  and  thus  ascertain 
for  himself  the  exact  state  of  things,  and  of  the  plan  for 
to-morrow.  Veering  a  little  to  the  right,  he  heard  voices, 
which  made  him  turn  from  the  path  into  the  bushes,  where 
he  lay  down.  Putting  his  ear  to  the  ground,  he  quietly 
waited  for  the  return  of  the  party  that  he  knew  were  near. 
There  were  two  of  them,  who  came  back  slowly,  like  men 
who  had  sauntered  aside  for  free  conversation. 

"  I  will  cover  you  from  all  blame,  as  your  superior.  Act- 
ing under  me,  you  only  fulfill  his  inajesty's  orders.  Have  I 
not  shown  you  the  letter  of  the  general,  to  burn  and  take  all 
the  prisoners,  and  to  do  nothing  by  halves?" 

"  Mohawk  is  his  own  chief,"  was  the  proud  answer  of  the 
other;  "Indians  cannot  see  the  mark  of  the  goose's  wing. 
They  love  the  scalping-knife  better.  Braves  cannot  be  tickled 
with  a  feather." 

"  Captain  Brandt,"  was  the  hasty  reply  of  the  first  speaker, 
w  does  not  doubt  my  honor."  There  seemed  as  if  there  was 
some  handling  of  a  sword-hilt  here  at  this  time.  "  Have  not 
I  left  my  command  at  Fort  Niagara,  at  the  word  of  one  of 
your  red  race  ?  I  have  met  you  here  to  aid  in  conducting 
these  prisoners  back  through  the  wilderness.  Surely  that  is 
evidence  of  my  sincerity,  and  of  my  interest  in  the  success  of 
this  enterprise.  And  now,  just  when  it  is  about  to  be 
crowned  with  complete  success,  you  threaten  to  leave." 

By  this  time  the  two  men  had  become  so  much  in  earnest 
in  their  conversation  that  they  stood  facing  each  other  quite 
opposite  to  the  spot  where  Teunis  lay  quiet:  for  well  he 
knew  that  his  life  depended  on  his  keeping  in  his  breath. 
Yet  he  trembled  lest  the  beating  of  his  puise  at  the  wrist 
would  disturb  the  dry  leaves  on  which  he  lay. 

"  Clifford  was  a  great  soldier  when  he  fought  the  Whigs 
on  the  sand-fields  of  the  Dutchmen.  Clifford  has  all  the 
fort  of  Ni-a-a-ga-ra  in  his  great  hand ;  but  the  king's  great 
soldiers  have  soft  hearts  when,  pale  squaws  come  between 
their  fiery  eyes  and  the  moon." 

There  was  a  sly  irony  in  ail  this ;  all  the  more  provoking 
that  it  could  not  be  met  by  an  honorable  blow. 

"  Cheeks  that  smile  like  the  young  morning,  bring  tears 
into  great  eyes,"  was  the  still  aggravating  tone  of  the  same 
speaker.  At  last  the  other  man  broke  out  into  fury  unre- 
strained. 


THE    READ    IN    THE    LlOIf'      MOUTH.  359 

"I  tell  you  what,  "brave  Mohawk,  that,  pale  squaw  must 
Do  mine,  and  if  I  can  buy  your  help  in  bringing  her  into  the 
camp  before  you  leave,  there  is  nothing  that  the  Great  King 
has  put  into  my  hand  which  Brandt  may  not  command." 

"  The  Mohawk  cannot  be  bought  with  fair  words  ;  and  if 
he  could,  his  braves  are  turning  their  faces  to  the  north  star, 
where  their  squaws  are  husking  corn,  and  their  papooses 
singing  in  their  swings." 

•'  Well,  I  must  be  content  and  let  you  all  go,"  was  the  infu- 
riated answer.  "  But  I  remain  till  I  gain  my  reward.  Good 
tjrod,"  said  the  speaker  called  Clifford,  "  am  I  to  be  baffled 
by  a  sentimental  miss,  and  that  Dutch  dumpling  which  Kis- 
kataam  says  has  her  in  charge.  No,  I'll  scour  these  woods 
till  my  toes  are  wrorn  to  stumps,  or  blistered  as  they  have 
been  under  a  Bengal  sun,  before  I  yield  to  this  piece  of 
painted  flesh." 

All  this  time  the  speaker  was  stamping  with  violent  rage 
on  the  ground  as  if  he  could  bring  up  relief  from  the  nether 
regions.  His  comrade  for  the  time  was  quietly  standing  till 
the  storm  would  vent  itself;  which,  like  all  such  gusts,  was 
soon  over ;  and  the  man  who  was  calling  up  spirits  from  the 
vasty  deep,  gave  it  up  by  saying : 

"  I  can  at  least  control  Kiskataam  and  his  foil  by  the  glit- 
tering metal." 

"  Ugh  !"  was  the  short  interjection  of  the  Indian,  "  Kiska- 
taam's  good  hunter  for  himself.  A  fawn  will  leap  and  play 
well  in  his  wigwam  on  the  silver  water  of  Ka-na-we-ho]-:i." 

The  white  man,  at  this  home  thrust,  which  he  evidently 
felt  in  the  tenderest  part,  could  not  express  himself,  but 
gave  out  that  choking  utterance  which  a  man  gives  when 
his  breath  fails  him.  "  I  know,"  said  he  at  last,  "  that  the 
serpent  has  tried  to  crawl  into  my  nest,  and  all  my  fear  is 
that  he  knows  too  well  of  the  hiding-place  where  Miss 
Clinton  is  kept ;  and  that  he  only  waits  to  weary  us  out. 
But  I  will  die  first." 

"  Miss  Clinton  !  Miss  Clinton,"  was  echoed  by  the  Mo- 
hawk. "  Who  is  this  fawn  that  the  great  soldier  calls  Miss 
Ciinton  ?  The  great  Englishman  called  her  Fawn." 

"  Who  should  she  be  but  the  papoose  of  that  rank  Whig 
Ciinton,  one  of  the  rebel  generals  ?  That  is  prize  enough  to 
wait  a  week  for ;"  and  here  he  bent  his  mouth  to  the  ear  of 
the  Indian — the  last  word  heard  was  "  ransom." 

"The  Mohawks  do  not  make  w;ir  on  pale-faced  squawa 
\Vo  leave  wheu  the  next  sum  rises." 


360  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

With  tbat  til '?  two  went  on  toward  the  camp;  and  as 
Teunis  followed  he  heard  Clifford  chiding  his  companion  for 
his  tender  hearLednes.s.  "Mohawk  is  a  woman.  I  have  a 
stronger  heart  than  any  of  you.  Delicate  women  whose 
veils  were  never  lifted  to  man,  have  begged  from  me  and  I 
have  turned  away.  The  valley  of  the  Ganges,  wider  than 
the  one  below,  groaning  with  misery,  and  putrid  with  death, 
did  not  move  me.  Under  my  windows  I  saw  the  river 
Hoogly  rolling  with  corpses  ;  the  streets  of  Calcutta  blocked 
with  the  dying.  The  living  not  strong  enough  to  scare 
away  the  jackals  and  the  vultures  from  the  scarcely  dead 
bodies." 

All  of  this  was  said  to  impress  the  Mohawk  with  the  folly 
of  being  tender  hearted ;  to  which  he  merely  replied  with 
his  significant  "  ugh  !"  and 

"  Clifford  is  a  great  soldier ;  the  Mohawk  shall  go  after 
the  next  day  is  past." 

"  Go  and  be "  as  he  turned  right  round,  leaving  the 

Mohawk  to  enter  the  camp  alone,  while  he  plunged  into 
the  bushes  aside,  as  if  he  wished  to  hide  himself  from  the 
stars.  Teunis  only  heard  "  curse  him  !  curse  her,"  repeated 
till  he  lost  the  sound  and  the  sight  alike. 

The  listener  justified  himself  in  hearkening  to  what  ousrht 
to  be  counteracted  if  possible,  more  especially  as  he  hod 
obtained  valuable  information  for  the  risk  he  had  run.  So 
making  his  way  as  quietly  as  he  could,  without  appearing  to 
steal  in,  he  found  out  his  brother  Anthony's  tent,  who  was 
there  having  a  command.  When  they  parted  in  the  morning 
they  had  an  understanding  between  them  that  Teunis  should 
make  a  call  at  home  as  he  passed,  just  to  see  how  things 
"  kaam  on,  and  help  for  an  hour  or  so."  Anthony  was  not 
in  the  tent  when  his  brother  entered,  so  addressing  one  who 
was  always  known  by  the  shortest  part  of  his  name  : 

"  You  here  yet,  Phil  ?  I  feared  that  by  this  time  you 
would  be  all  away  to  Niaagaara." 

"Nay,  nay,"  said  the  other  pettishly,  "  dat  big  soger,  has 
de  ooren  ov  de  Indian  o'er  near  his  mouth.  Budt  end  vere 
hast  tou  been,  Teunie  ?  bad  talk  here." 

"  What  now,  Phil  ?"  said  the  new  comer,  with  well- 
feigned  astonishment.  "  Where  is  Broder  Anthony  ?" 

That  kind  hearted  youth  who  loved  Teunis  better  than  hi? 
own  life,  and  who  felt  all  the  anxiety  of  an  earnest  soul  for 
him,  had  been  out  watching  for  the  wanderer,  so  that  he 
ow^ht  put  him  on  his  guard.  Coming  merely  into  the  tent 


THE   HEAD   IN   THE   LION'S   MOUTH.  361 

door,  he  gave  a  signal  which  brought  Teunis  out  into  tha 
dark,  where  they  stood  out  of  sight  and  hearing. 

"  Teunie,"  said  Anthony,  in  a  low  husky  voice,  "  thee  had 
best  gae  home  and  watch  te  old  folks." 

"  What  now  ?"  said  the  no  less  anxious  brother.  "  What 
have  I  done  that  I  cannot  be  with  you  at  the  great 
hunt  ?" 

"We  have  not  time,"  was  the  answer,  "to  speak  of  nil. 
Whispers  have  been  going  through  the  camp  all  day. 
Awee !  awee !  for  fayther,  if  the  half  of  this  be  true,  he 
will  shoot  you  though  he  die  of  grief  afterward." 

Teunis  would  have  entered  into  his  own  defence  warmly, 
but  the  other  stopped  him,  putting  his  arm  into  that  of 
Teunis,  leading  him  round,  so  as  to  reach  the  higher  point 
at  the  south  of  the  camp,  where  they  had  the  opportunity 
of  seeing  all  that  was  going  on  beloAV.  Anthony  told  his 
brother  to  watch  the  movements  of  two  or  three  men  whom 
he  pointed  out.  The  three  figures  Teunis  soon  discerned  to 
be  Kiskataam,  Shandaagan  and  Dan  De-la-mater,  a  well- 
known  desperate  fellow,  who  aspired  to  the  hand  of  Elsie 
Schuyler,  and  was  thus  the  decided  enemy  of  Teunis. 

"  Can  you  guess  what  all  that  means  ?"  was  the  question 
put  to  the  transfixed  Teunis.  "  They  are  searching  the 
tent ;  if  you  had  been  there  till  this  time,  your  arms  would 
have  been  tied  behind  your  back.  Or  a  ball  through 
somebody  before  that  could  have  been  done.  Anthony, 
I  killed  a  catamount  this  morning,  and  I  am  not  likely  to 
let  any  villain,  as  all  these  are,  put  a  cord  round  my  wrists 
without  a  struggle." 

"  I  have  heard  of  two  catamounts  being  killed,  and  am 
proud  that  my  brother  had  the  power  and  the  skill  to  kill 
one  of  these  monsters  ;  but  mind  you,  Teunis,  that  there  are 
worse  creatures  than  catamounts." 

"  True,  as  I  see  down  there.  But,  Anthony,  were  as  many 
of  these  wild  beasts  to  be  collected,  as  there  are  men  below, 
they  would  sleep  quieter  and  devour  less ;  and  I  have  been. 
thinking  that  an  animal  with  a  red  coat  is  more  savage  than 
one  with  a  dun-colored  one.  The  feet  of  the  human  beast 
are  swifter  to  seek  blood." 

"Let  that  alone  just  now;  you  better  leave  before  the} 
surround  the  camp,  and  rouse  up  these  Mohawk  duivels,  :m<l 
you  will  find  them  to  be  a  drove  of  catamounts.  We  are 
going  out  to-morrow  to  hunt  up  two  Whig  women,  and  yon 
••in  o-uess  who  one  of  them  is." 

16 


362  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

For  that  reason  I  must  remain  and  prc  tect  her  against 
harm." 

"  You  cannot  aid  her  in  the  smallest  mite.  After  what  I 
saw  at  the  burning  of  Hoogenhuisen,  I  am  sure  that  you  will 
be  less  able  to  stand  the  onset,  when  the  flower  of  that 
place  is  laid  on  the  ground,  and  trampled  upon  by  ruffians." 

"I  would  send  a  ball  through  the  man  that  dares  to  put  a 
foul  finger  on  that  flower  of  my  heart." 

"  Neither  Dan  Del-de-la-mater  nor  Shandaagan  will  keep 
away  the  less  that  you  look  gloom  at  them.  '  Two  men  and 
an  Indian  for  one  woman,  and  she  a  Whig's  dochter,  must  be 
in  these  times  too  many  for  you." 

The  tear  was  rising  in  the  eye  of  the  anxious  lover,  so 
that  it  glistened  in  the  light  of  the  bright  fire,  and  trickled 
down  upon  the  hand  of  the  kind-hearted  Anthony  so  as  to 
startle  him  into  earnestness. 

"In  the  name  of  God,  Teunis  Roe,  go ;  they  will  get  a 
glimpse  of  that  face  in  the  light  of  the  fire,  and  a  ball  will 
come  from  some  one  of  these  pieces,  that  never  errs.  Your 
eyes  are  glancing  like  a  deer's  at  the  river  side,  when  pine 
knots  are  blazing  in  the  boat.  You  have  shot  them  in  the 
eene  yourself;  go,  I  beseech  you." 

Almost  overcome,  Teunis  began,  "  And  you  will  be  " 

"Oh,  Teunis,  I  know  what  you  would  say  ;  and  I  swear  to 
you,  that  Whig  as  Elsie  is,  and  the  real  dochter  of  a  true 
Whig,  that  I  will  protect  her  with  my  life,  for  your  sake. 
Go,  Teunie  go,  and  mother's  God  be  with  you." 

"  Swear  again,  and  I  will  go  ;  swear  that  you  will  not  let 
them  tie  her,  nor  let  Dan  put  one  hand  on  her,  and  whisper 
in  her  ear  that  you  do  all  for  the  sake  of  your  wandering 
brother  Teunie." 

With  that  the  down-hearted  youth  stepped  over  the  face 
of  the  cliiF  by  a  natural  ladder  that  he  had  frequently  used 
before,  and  was  no  more  in  danger  of  missing  his  foot  than 
by  that  of  his  father's  barn,  so  that  he  was  soon  out  of 
the  reach  of  those  sluith  hounds  who  were  already  on  h's 
track.  A  vain  pursuit  amidst  those  rugged  rocks  and  fallea 
trees. 

Directing  his  steps  northward  to  where  the  Dominie's 
party  was  lodged,  he  fell  now  into  their  hands  from  necessity 
While  the  sympathies  of  his  better  nature  were  always  with 
the  Whigs,  it  is  doubtful  if  he  would  have  declared  so  soon 
for  them,  but  from  affection  first,  and  now  through  necessity. 
Treading  his  way,  as  a  hunter  only  knows  how,  among  loose 


THE   AFRICAN   COURT-MARTIAL.  363 

rocks  and  underbrush,  thick  as  an  East  Indian  jungle,  with  not 
a  few  of  the  dangers  found  in  Bengal,  from  American  tigers, 
Tennis  moved  with  his  knife  in  one  hand,  and  his  horse-pistol 
iii  the  other,  looking  on  all  sides  for  enemies.  But  he  had 
no  choice  but  of  escaping  thus,  nor  had  he  any  fear  of  being 
waylaid,  except  as  some  cunning  hunter  from  above  might 
have  descended  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  rock,  and  was 
lying  in  wait  for  his  passing  by.  He  disturbed  not  a  few  of 
the  wildcats  of  the  place,  as  he  knew  from  their  hissing  and 
spitting  sound,  which  would  have  been  mistaken  for  serpents 
by  a  less  acute  sense.  His  aim  was  now  the  spook's  den,  but 
ere  he  could  reach  that  he  must  come 'across  the  camp  of  the 
Dominie,  where  he  could  not  rest  in  security  till  the  appointed 
time  for  meeting  the  spook  arrived.  So  keeping  the  north 
star  in  his  eye,  he  moved  on  like  the  sailor,  tacking  as  he 
found  a  favorable  breeze.  Turning  round  a  jutting  rock, 
avoiding  some  chasm,  or  leaping  a  fallen  trunk,  he  never 
once  lost  sight  of  the  point  of  his  attraction. 


CHAPTER 

THE   AFRICAN   COURT-MARTIAL. 

"  Commend  me  to  Nature,  spiced  over  by  the  hand  of  Art ;  the  one  provides  hunger, 
and  the  other  sauce;  so  that  between  Nature  and  Art,  you  sit  smacking  your  lips.' 

OLD  G'OOKEBY  BOOK. 

OUR  night  walker,  uncertain  concerning  the  character  of 
the  sounds  he  heard,  dropped  himself  quietly  and  suddenly 
to  the  ground,  where  he  put  his  ear,  hoping  to  be  able  to  dis 
tiiiGfiiish  the  voices  which  gave  them  forth. 

"  Some  frolickers,"  F9i')  Teunis,  "  who  have  found  the 
camp  above  too  quiet.  Maybe  some  Indians  on  an  inde- 
pendent excursion  Both  must  be  avoided  by  me  to-night. 
I  can  neither  joui  the  ere,  nor  be  seen  by  the  other.  Ha!" 
haid  the  listener,  *'•  theso  are  niggers ;  what  can  they  be  at 
here,  and  at  this  lime  of  night  ?  But  why  need  I  wonder, 
they  are  just  like  all  vormin;  they  follow  the  white  man, 
and  mock  his  ways.  Why  not?  They  have  as  good  a  right 
to  their  fun  and  fight  as  we  have  to  oars." 

Climbing  up  on  the  point  of  a  jutting  rock,  he  saw  n  fire 


864:  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

kindled  in  a  hollow  place,  which  he  knew  must  be  near  to  tha 
cloven  rock,  where  he  had  himself'  often  rested,  and  which 
was  a  standing  mark  to  all.  Many  a  cup  of  good  Holland 
nad  been  drunk  there  by  the  hunting  parties,  who  were  sure 
to  gather  round  it  after  their  surroundings,  and  at  night  to 
make  it  their  pillow  before  a  rousing  fire.  The  Dominie, 
after  one  of  those  frolics,  which  had  gone  to  excess,  came 
down  on  the  sinners  in  a  thundering  discourse,  in  which  he 
called  this  the  steen  des  aanstoots — the  stone  of  stumbling ; 
and  by  that  it  was  known  among  his  folks,  till  one  day  the 
good  man  himself  came  across  a  party  handing  the  cuppe 
round,  and  seeing  him  coming  they  obtained  one  of  pure  water 
running  through  the  rock,  and  gave  it  to  him.  He  tasted  it, 
drinking  it  off  with  a  loud  smack  of  his  lips,  at  the  last  say- 
ing, "  Deszen  Mozusst  eenrots  !"  and  it  is  called  Moses  Rock 
unto  this  day. 

Cautiously  Teunis  crept  forward  till  he  was  near  enough  to 
distinguish  the  shrill  tenor  of  the  negro,  with  the  deeper  basa 
of  some  white  men  ;  then  a  loud  chorus  of  laughter,  which 
went  from  the  giggle  to  the  guffaw.  Determined  to  find  out 
who  these  roysterers  were,  he  sought  as  close  a  standing 
place  as  he  could  find,  without  being  seen  himself.  Keeping 
well  up  to  the  westward,  he  came  down,  almost  crawling,  as 
if  swimming  on  his  back,  feet  foremost,  to  the  side  of  the 
rock,  which  he  had  between  him  and  the  assemblage  below 
Rising  up,  he  looked  over  and  saw  such  a  scene  as  gipsy  life 
can  only  present.  A  large  fire  burning  brightly  in  the 
centre,  sent  out  a  heat  which  made  the  party  turn  round 
as  brown  hams  hung  on  a  spit  would  turn  were  they  possessed 
of  feeling,  and  waiting  for  a  regular  roasting  all  over,  and 
through  to  the  bone.  Here  were  all  colors,  from  the  jet  black, 
glistening  with  sweat,  to  the  bronze,  that  changed  as  the  fancy 
was  tickled,  on  to  the  whity-brown  of  those  called  white 
people. 

Teunis  knew  them  all  as  the  slaves  belonging  to  the 
farmers  of  the  district ;  chiefly  the  same  ones  he  had  seen  in 
die  den  two  nights  ago,  attending  their  superstitious  orgies. 
Cuffee,  the  African  king,  as  he  maintained  himsolf  to  be ; 
Caese,  with  hia  fiddle;  Jerry  of  Kaatsban;  and  Tom,  the 
Dominie's  man.  These  were  usually  the  leaders  in  all  mis- 
chief around,  and  though  very  stringent  laws  existed  in  the 
colonies  concerning  slaves  meeting  after  nightfall,  they  were 
easily  eluded  by  such  cunning  fellows,  who,  like  thieves. 
knew  more  of  the  laws  than  the  average  of  justices.  Strong 


THE   AFRICAN   COTJKT-MAKTIAL.  365 

in  mind  naturally,  and  not  degraded  yet  by  long  bondage, 
experience  had  made  them  acute  in  matters  where  their 
enjoyments  were  in  danger,  or  their  gratifications  curtailed. 

To  Tennis  they  now  seemed  to  be  engaged  holding  a 
court,  whether  in  mockery  or  in  earnest,  he  had  some 
difficulty  in  determining.  Cuffee  was  the  presiding  spirit,  as 
he  usually  was  in  all  affairs  of  the  kind.  His  sincere  belief, 
or  his  assumption,  gave  him  airs  which  he  was  not  slow  to 
put  on,  and  being  of  a  robust  person,  and  possessed  of  great 
shrewdness,  he  generaUy  enforced  the  law  by  physical 
force. 

Tom  was  the  only  one  who  disputed  his  authority,  and 
this  he  did,  first,  because  the  king  was  a  heathen ;  and 
second,  he  himself  being  a  Christian,  should  "hab  authorities;" 
and  third,  the  Dominie's  man  affected  a  little  of  the  Dominie 
himself.  From  his  place  and  puffed  up  pride,  he  had  begun 
to  assume  it,  and  latterly  he  really  believed  he  had  had  a  call 
to  preach. 

At  the  time  Teunis  discovered  these  blacks,  Cuffee  was 
acting  as  judge,  trying  a  young  negro,  whom  the  secret  spec- 
tator at  once  knew;  and  he  soon  saw  that  this  was  not  mere 
sport,  but  that  Cuffee  and  his  followers,  presuming  upon  their 
relation  to  the  big  Indian,  were  acting  for  King  George,  in 
due  legal  form,  which,  to  one  who  was  a  mere  spectator, 
might  have  afforded  amusement ;  but  to  Teunis,  who  had 
nbw  wakened  up  to  the  danger  of  his  own  playmate,  was 
no  joking  matter.  He  determined  to  watch  and  prevent 
mischief. 

Tom  acted  as  public  prosecutor,  and  Jerry,  the  slave  of 
Cornelius  Wynkoop,  was  to  defend  the  accused. 

"  Constable,  cry  de  court,"  said  the  judge,  with  great 
gravity,  when  old  Caesar  stepped  forward  in  front  of  the 
raised  bench,  and  mumbled  over,  "  oh  yeez,  oh  yeez,"  and 
left  the  rest  in  an  unknown  tongue. 

A  ludicrous  imitation  of  a  white  man's  trial  here  followed, 
which  would  defy  the  pen  or  pencil  of  genius  to  portray  in 
its  true  colors.  What  was  of  more  importance  to  our 
hero,  the  scenes  were  indicative  to  him  of  how  the  public 
mind  was  beginning  to  regard  his  own  present  position. 
Leendert,  who  was  the  son  of  Dora,  and  of  the  same  age 
with  himself,  had,  like  all  negroes  brought  up  side  by 
side  with  a  master's  son,  walked  in  the  steps  of  Teunis,  till 
it  had  become  his  own  nature  to  do  whatever  his  young 
master  did.  He  was  showing  signs  of  disloyalty  now,  jwl 


366  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

those  of  his  grade  had  detected  his  tendencies.  In  the 
trial  he  was  passing  through,  Teunis  saw  his  own  self  fore- 
shadowed. 

A  charge  was  formally  made  of  leaving  the  service  of 
King  George,  and  taking  part  with  the  "revels."  A  jury 
was  chosen,  and  exact  specifications  laid  down  to  be  proven. 
In  all  of  which  Teunis  heard  but  his  own  case  repeated. 
The  pleadings  on  both  sides  were  ludicrous  indeed,  but  it 
seemed  that  the  actors  were  in  earnest. 

"Bring  in  de  prisoner  guilty  of  treason,"  said  the  mock 
judge,  "  and  den  shoot  him." 

Teunis  was  here  about  to  take  part,  and  prevent  what 
appeared  to  be  the  actual  intention  of  the  cool  rascal,  whose 
words  seemed  as  positively  spoken  as  if  he  were  sitting  in  an 
Albany  court,  among  his  white  peers  ;  when  suddenly,  out 
of  the  darkness  behind,  old  Dora  emerged,  to  the  great  terror 
of  all,  including  the  chief  actor  himself.  Rising,  he  made  a 
low  bow,  saying : 

"King  Cuffee  glad  to  see  Queen  Dora  wid  the  Gree 
Gree." 

Dora  paid  no  attention  to  the  salaam  made  to  her  presence, 
but  turning  her  eye  into  a  clear  crystal  cup  she  held  in  her 
hand,  she  muttered  some  words  of  incantation ;  then  lifting 
her  face  to  the  judge,  said  in  her  most  solemn  style  : 

"  King  Gongalloo  hang  on  de  gallows  dree." 

Cuffee  had  already  ordered  the  prisoner's  arms  to  be 
unloosed  ;  and  then  he  called  out : 

"  Court  'journed  till  abter  suppa." 

"  'Men,  so  let  it  be,"  said  Tom,  who  was  man  of  all  work 
at  home  and  abroad. 

A  long  pole,  laid  from  two  branches,  sustained  two  pots  of 
the  biggest  size  in  use,  which  were  simmering  over  a  fire 
of  hot  coals,  filled  to  the  brim.  The  acting  cook,  a  full- 
bodied  wench,  was  looking  in  now  and  then,  stirring  the 
contents,  and  scenting  the  savory  steam,  that  entered  even 
Teunis'  nostrils,  making  Ids  mouth  to  water;  for  he  had 
not  eaten  a  warm  supper  since  the  night  of  Tobias  Myers' 
husking-bee.  Besides  being  really  hungry,  he  knesv  well 
enough  that  the  purveyors  of  this  feast  had  found  the  best  in 
the  land.  He  forgot  the  robbing  of  hen-roosts,  and  nearly 
in  his  eagerness  for  food,  yielded  up  his  prudence.  It  was 
evidently  in  the  mind  of  Cuffee,  that  young  Massa  Teunis  had 
been  guilty  of  double-dealing,  and  would  be  punished  when 
caught.  With  all  these  willing  hands  about  hira,  a  Jargei 


THE   AFRICAN   COURT-MARTIAL.  367 

prize  than  Leendert  would  be  acceptable.  There  were, 
besides,  some  persons  present,  whose  backs  were  toward  him, 
and  as  yet  he  had  not  heard  their  voices  above  a  common 
tone. 

The  festival  table  was  the  ground,  raised  as  if  a  ditch  had 
been  dug  round  a  knoll,  into  which  the  feet  might  be  stowed 
away,  and  the  edge  of  the  bank  used  as  seats.  Many  of  them 
chose  the  flat  places,  squatting  down  on  whatever  was  below 
them.  There  were  at  least  fifty  or  sixty  persons  of  the 
black  population,  with  at  least  a  dozen  young  whites — sons 
of  the  farmers,  whos$  low  tastes  led  them  to  seek  such  frolics, 
where  the  animal  propensities  could  be  gratified  unrestrained. 
One  individual  kept  himself  hidden,  notwithstanding  that  he 
lay  on  the  ground,  just  below  where  Tennis  was  perched  on 
the  branch  above.  The  spy  in  the  tree  had  his  fears  that 
it  might  be  known  to  the  groundling  that  some  one  was  in 
the  loft. 

The  supper  dishes  were  large  sugar  troughs,  usually  left  in 
the  woods  for  the  spring  opening,  now  washed  clean  in  the 
water  near  by,  and  convenient  for  the  revellers.  Into  these 
the  contents  of  the  boilers  were  poured — meat  and  potatoes  in 
heaps.  In  the  centre  stood  a  monstrous  dish  of  fricasseed 
chickens,  mixed  with  sausages.  The  fowls  "  'greed  veil  wid 
von  anoder,"  Dido  said,  "  dat  had  been  fechten  cocks  in  de 
inornin'." 

"An  de  duck  swim  in  de  gravy  veil  as  in  de  pond  wid  de 
oder  unda  dem  vings,"  was  the  intended  wit  of  old  Caesar, 
who  gave  some  extra  scrapes  upon  his  fiddle,  as  he  saw  his 
favorite  dish. 

But  the  attraction  of  the  take  were  two  full  trenchers  of 
what  is  known  as  souse ;  a  well-grown  pig's  flesh,  fat,  and 
corn-fed,  cut  up  into  small  pieces  and  stewed,  all  together, 
till  it  became  soft  and  rich.  Dido  was  in  her  glory  when  she 
saw  that  come  up,  slightly  browned  in  the  skin  and  tender 
to  the  touch. 

"  Dere  a  mess  for  de  king,  and  de  Dominie  besides  might 
say  grace  as  long  as  turkey's  neck  dat  runs  to  him's  tail  be- 
hincL" 

And  to  hungry  men,  seldom  has  a  finer  repast  been 
spread.  All  sat  round  as  they  chose.  Forks  there  were  in 
plenty.  A  twig  cut  from  the  bush  beside  them,  with  a  stump 
for  handle,  and  the  bark  peeled,  was  equal  to  the  best  silver 
in  the  governor's  basket  of  plate.  That  stuck  in  at  random, 
never  failed  to  bring  up  the  game  that  gratm«tl  the  eater 


368  THE   DUTCH    DOMINTK. 

Bread  came  out  from  corners  as  white  as  Dame  Dyce  could 
produce  to  her  New  York  company,  in  her  fine  stone  man- 
sion, by  the  Kaatsldll  creek ;  and  to  crown  all,  there  was  cold 
slaugh,  and  hot  slaugh,  which  was  forked  into  their  mouths 
as  if  they  were  stowing  away  heaps  of  manure  into  a  deep 
cellar  way. 

"  Ho  !  ho  !  ho  !"  roared  out  Cuffee,  as  he  fished  out  a  huge 
piece  which  he  saw  would  be  his  last  bit  from  that  platter, 
"  me  got  de  gobla  crop  ;  dat  goes  for  to  hollo  orda  !" 

"  He !  he  !  he !"  responded  one  of  the  young  wenches ; 
"  King  Cuffee  got  de  goose's  throat.  Goose  make  good 
squia." 

Here  the  faithful  Phoebe  produced  her  liquor  jug,  well 
filled  with  strong  waters  of  some  kind,  that  had  the  usual 
effect  upon  human  brains.  All  kinds  of  frolicking  com- 
menced, and  some  of  a  nature  that  could  not  be  described 
without  defiling  my  page.  Savage  nature  came  out  in  its  most 
loathsome  forms,  such  as  we  read  of  in  histories  of  paganism 
at  its  feasts.  Looking  down  upon  them,  Teunis  saw  the 
rolling  and.  tumbling  as  if  it  had  been  the  wriggling  of  black 
snakes,  in  a  round  pit. 

During  the  noise,  our  night-walker  had  climbed  to  the 
outmost  part  of  the  branch.  He  was  eager  upon  finding  out 
who  was  lying  beneath  him  on  the  ground,  and  had  just  suc- 
ceeded to  his  horror,  when  Cuffee  cried  out : 

"Now  for  de  trile  of  de  Ingen  Shandaagan,  for  falling  in'd 
love  wid  Martin's  Elshie — Clerk  will  read  de  law." 

Here  Tom,  who  had  heard  it  many  times,  gravely  re- 
peated the  colonial  statute :  "  De  durd  Sessions  of  de  fit*  As- 
sembly Queen  Anne.  Be  it  'nacted  by  de  Gobernor,  Coun- 
cil, and  Assembly,  in  case  any  slave  or  Ingen,  kiss,  or  marry, 
or  coui't  free  man's  daughter  " 

Here  the  Indian,  who  took  all  this  more  in  earnest  than 
was  intended,  and  who  had  worked  himself  up,  under  the  in- 
fluence of  love,  liquor,  and  mortification,  rose  just  under  the 
nose  of  Teunis,  and  gave  the  war-whoop  of  his  tribe,  so  lus- 
tily, and  so  long,  with  his  face  turned  toward  the  mountain, 
that  the  echoes  of  his  voice  returned  as  if  a  thousand  demons 
had  responded  to  him.  Every  man,  white  and  black,  started 
to  his  feet  and  fled  as  if  the  Mohawks  had  come  into  their 
midst  with  gleaming  tomahawks.  Nor  was  the  commotiou 
abated  by  Teunis,  who,  eager  to  see  the  whole  from  his  perch, 
had  gone  so  far  forward  on  the  branch  that  it  swung,  so  that 
he  lost  his  balance  and  dropped  right  among  them,  fronting 


THE   AFRICAN   COURT- MARTIAL.  369 

the  infuriated  Indian,  who  became  cool  in  a  moment,  when  he 
saw  the  very  man  he  cared  less  to  see  than  any  other,  before 
him,  as  if  demanding  satisfaction  for  the  injury  with  which 
he  had  just  been  charged. 

"  Ugh,"  said  the  red  man,  as  a  grim  smile  crossed  his  face, 
*'  the  young  bear  can  climb  trees  for  sweet  apples." 

"  And  sometimes  he  gets  sour  apples  for  his  pains,"  was 
the  tart  answer  of  the  excited  Teunis.  The  fact  alluded  to 
in  the  mock  charge  of  this  black  court,  Avas  evidently  lander- 
fttoocl  by  those  eavesdroppers  at  home  and  abroad.  He  had 
suspected  all  along  that  the  intention  of  Kiskataam  was  to 
remove  the  young  English  lady  to  the  West,  and  the  reward 
of  Shandaagan  was  to  be  his  own  beloved.  Putting  all  he 
knew  in  one,  he  was  persuaded  within  himself,  that  the 
hiding-place  of  the  young  woman  was  known  to  these  wily 
men.  But  there  was  no  time  to  settle  that  question  to-night, 
so  turning  away  from  his  enemy,  he  stepped  up  to  the  souse 
dish,  and  putting  a  fresh  fork  into  the  mess,  he  proceeded  to 
eat  a  hearty  supper  from  the  abundant  fragments  which 
remained.  By  the  time  he  was  through,  the  leading  spirits  of 
the  late  scene  had  disappeared,  afraid  of  being  informed  upon. 
They  knew  the  law  well,  and  Tom  hi  his  mock  fun  had  re- 
minded them  that 

"  It  sail  no'  be  lawful  for  more  as  tree  niggers  to  meet 
together  in  von  place,  'cept  at  kirke  door  on  Sunday,  upon 
do  penalty  of  been  whipt  upon  de  naked  back,  wid  forta 
lashes  by  de  public  whipper,  Yankee  Dorian,  the  horse- 
doctor." 

The  fear  of  this  was  constantly  before  the  eyes  of  the 
slaves,  and  even  Cuffee  did  not  care  to  be  seen  by  a  man  of 
Tennis'  character.  Tom,  however,  came  back,  assuming  to 
be  loyal,  and  willing  to  excuse  himself  for  being  present  with 
a  crew  of  black  rebels. 

"  The  Dominie  would  look  wild  to  see  you  here,  Tom," 
said  Teunis. 

"  And  vilder  to  see  us  two,"  said  Tom,  as  he  winked  a 
sly  wink.  "  VK  vatched  dem ;"  putting  weight  on  the  plu- 
ral word  WE. 


370 


CHAPTER    IV. 

B  E  V  E  N  G  E     IS     SWEET. 

"  Come,  dainty  witch  ;  see,  there's  my  palm ; 

Read  if  you  can  ;  I  dare  to  hear. 
Witch. — Yet  the  hand  trembles,  and  feels 

Clammy,  like  the  wall  of  a  shut  up  tomb." 

ALLAN  RAMS  AT. 

TEUNIS  and  Tom  made  their  way  to  the  camp,  where 
Grant  kept  guard.  Among  the  first  questions  asked  of  the 
brawny  Scotchman  was,  "  where's  the  Dominie  ?" 

"  He's  gane  doun  the  glen  to  that  warlock  bodie.  They 
are  baith  ow're  weel  acquaint  with  the  diel.  He  is,  nae 
doot,  sitten  atween  .them." 

"  Has  he  been  long  away  ?"  was  the  next  question  put. 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  but  when  twa  sic  meet,  nae  sayin'  when  they 
will  part :  but  for  mysel',  I  would  as  sune  hae  a  crack  with 
auld  Sawney  as  we'  ane  o'  his  bairns." 

"  Oh !"  said  a  new  comer,  whom  Teunis  had  not  seen  in 
the  party  that  day,  "  you  are  mistaken,  Grant ;  the  hermit 
is  not  one  of  your  Scotch  witches,  but  a  respectable  spook  as 
can  be  found  hi  a  Christian  land,  where  it  takes  all  kinds  of 
people  to  make  the  right  kind  of  a  world." 

"  May  be,  sir,"  said  the  Scotchman,  who  turned  to  Teunis 
and  asked  with  evident  feeling,  "where  did  you  leave  that 
tine  Englisher,  Clarence  ?  has  he  heard  ony  thing  o'  his  sis- 
ter ?  his  heart  was  sae  in  his  mouth  when  he  spoke  about 
her  that  I  began  to  suspect  she  might  be  a  bit  tenderer  than 
a  sister.  There  is  nae  accounting  for  such  things.  Bluid  is 
aye  thicker  than  water." 

"  I  am  going  down  the  hill,  Mr.  Grant,"  said  Teunis  ;  "  and 
I  would  hint  to  you  that  there  are  Indians  about,  who  have 
ears  that  hear  a  great  way  oif ;  and  their  noses  can  smell 
tobacco  smoke  a  mile  away ;  and  you  can  see  the  fires  of 
Brandt's  party  are  not  much  beyond  that  distance." 

"  You  are  quite  richt,  sir,  and  I  maun  awa  roun'  all  the  out- 
posts and  see  after  things.  I  have  heard  my  father,  honest 
man,  say,  that  when  he  was  out  in  the  forty-five,  thnt  lie  smelt 
King  George's  poother  irau  Loch  Awe  to  Fort  George.  Good 


REVENGE   IS    SWEET.  371 

nicht  with  you ;  I'll  see  you  in  the  mornin',  and  •we'll  hae  a 
crack  aboot  these  things." 

"  A  beautiful  night  it  is,  Grant ;  but  it  may  he  an  awful 
morning,"  said  Teunis,  his  mind  running  in  a  mournful  direc- 
tion. 

"  Yes,  man,  that  is  a  bonny  sky.  It  is  grand  to  stand  up 
here  and  view  that  crown  in  the  heavens.  It  sends  me  awa 
back  again,  where  I  herded  sheep  on  the  braes  of  Balquidder  ; 
when  I  used  to  watch  these  very  stars,  as  they  gaed  round 
like  clock-work,  tellen  me  the  time  o'  night.  Man,  hoo  hap- 
py I  been  sometimes  rolled  in  my  plaid  ;  and  thinkin'  whiles 
on  the  great  Creator,  and  whiles  on  Susy  McLaren.  Poor 
thing,  she  was  ta'en  awa  fra  me,  far  aboon  those  stars ;  and 
I  am  here  this  very  night,  on  ither  kind  o'  bills,  herden 
Indians  ;  kittle  kind  of  sheep,  and  no'  a  lamb  among  them, 
if  we  leave  out  that  puir  lad's  sister." 

"  Yes,"  said  Teunis,  touched  with  this  fit  of  tenderness  on 
the  side  of  Grant ;  "  there  is  another  besides  her  that  I  am 
interested  in  ;  and  she  is  not  my  sister." 

"  Aye,  man,  I  suspected  as  much  as  that ;  I'm  an  aulder 
man  than  you,  but  my  heart  is  no  altogether  so  cauld  btit  I 
can  feel  for  you,  when  I  think  on  Susy  McLaren.  There's  my 
han',  Teunie,  and  depend  on't,  if  Hughie  Grant  can  help  you 
or  yours  out  o'  trouble,  he'll  do  it  wi'  right  gude  pleasure. 
Noo,  awa  wi'  you  to  the  glen." 

Teunis  left,  nor  was  he  long  in  reaching  the  foot  of  the  hill, 
which  he  had  travelled  frequently ;  and  he  went  now  with 
more  confidence  because  of  his  appointment  with  the  mys- 
terious being:  still,  putting  his  hand  into  his  bosom,  he 
pulled  out  the  black  pebble  stone  ;  touching  the  spring,  so  thai 
he  might  be  ready  should  danger  corne  in  his  way.  In  spite 
of  his  convictions,  his  feelings  dwelt  on  the  superstitious  afc 
the  time  ;  and  as  he  drew  nearer  to  the  door,  the  quicker  Ida 
heart  beat  in  his  breast. 

"  I  would  not  consult  this  witch  of  a  creature  were  the 
Dominie  not  near  me,"  he  said  to  himself.  "I  must,  how- 
ever, wait  till  the  two  part  from  each  other." 

He  came  up  to  the  door  of  the  shanty  and  saw  the  flicker- 
ing light  between  the  crevices  of  the  logs,  that  had  been  laid 
up  of  old,  by  some  trapper  or  trader,  who  had  built  them 
for  shelter  while  he  gathered  his  peltries  from  the  Indians 
during  a  winter's  hunting  and  trading  campaign.  It  per  red 
now  another  purpose,  and  long  had  had  the  reputation  of. 
being  the  GEKST  HOUSES.  Teunie  knowing  that  a  wind  w 


372  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

was  open  at  tne  rear,  stepped  cautiously  round,  that  he  might 
first  ascertain  the  state  of  things  within.  Putting  his  ear  to 
the  opening,  which  was  covered  by  the  skin  of  some  animal, 
he  heard  voices  in  earnest  conversation.  There  was  a  small 
slit  which  allowed  him  to  see  or  hear,  but  not  at  the  same  mo- 
ment of  time.  His  first  effort  at  seeing  was  to  obtain  a  per- 
fect look  of  the  cabin  ;  so,  fixing  his  eye  on  the  fire,  which 
had  been  newly  supplied  with  pine  knots  and  cones,  he 
watched  till  the  blaze  broke  through,  when  he  saw  three  sides 
of  the  den.  Two  of  these  were  covered  with  skins  of  differ- 
ent kinds  of  animals,  inhabitants  of  the  region  ;  some  of  them 
undressed  ;  but  the  most  of  them  tanned  after  the  Indian  man- 
ner of  preparing  furs.  These  served  as  clothing  for  the  person 
of  the  inhabitant  out  of  do.ors,  and  for  the  bed  of  the  restless 
solitary  at  night.  Guns  ana  pistols  of  different  patterns,  with 
other  hunting  apparatus,  were  suspended  on  deer's  antlers, 
which  were  the  hooks  for  all  things  that  were  hung  up. 
Above  the  place  where  the  couch  was  made,  a  naked  sword 
gleamed  as  if  alive  when  new  fuel  sent  forth  flame.  The 
scabbard  depended  on  another  hook  hard  by,  and  was  orna- 
mented with  some  precious  metal.  Besides  those  necessary 
articles  of  furniture,  there  were  things  of  which  the  observer 
could  not  see  the  use  so  easily.  A  large  paper  globe  was  sus- 
pended from  the  roof,  covered  with  figures  of  beasts  and 
birds,  serpents  and  men.  On  the  wall  on  the  left  side,  were 
pictures,  which,  so  far  as  Tennis  could  distinguish,  were  more 
of  demoniacal  than  of  human  shape. 

These  observations  were  made  at  a  glance,  for  the  mind 
of  the  slow  Dutchman  was  now  excited  to  the  highest  pitch, 
and  comprehended  in  a  minute  what  an  hour  could  not  have 
unfolded  to  him  at  another  time.  As  we  may  suppose,  it  was 
the  living  human  figures  which  chiefly  arrested  his  attention. 
There  were  two  men,  one  on  each  side  of  the  fire.  The  Do- 
mini0, he  knew,  and  only  observed  that  he  was  in  his  most 
dignified  posture.  If  possible,  more  so  than  when  he  sat  in 
the  President's  chair  in  the  Consistory.  He  had  never 
seen  him  before  with  a  face  in  which  intelligence  and  good- 
ness struggled  so  much  for  the  ascendency.  His  usual  humor 
lay  hidden  away  in  the  deep  lines  that  surrounded  his  eyes, 
and  his  mouth  ;  and  yet  while  he  sat  gravely,  like  a  man  who 
was  conscious  of  his  place  and  power,  he  yielded  a  deference 
to  the  man  before  him,  which  Tennis  had  never  hitherto  seen 
him  do.  But  this  was  the  first  superior  he  had  ever  seen  in 
the  presence  of  the  greatest  man  on  the  Kaatskills.  The  other 


KEVENGE   IS    SWEET  373 

ID  n  was  of  tall  and  upright  carriage,  with  a  head  like  one 
tl>  it  was  accustomed  to  command.  His  face  closely  shaven, 
ardneck  bare,  he  seemed  more  like  one  sitting  in  a  city  man- 
sion, than  the  rough  unshaven  creature  that  interrupted  him 
on  his  way  two  days  ago.  The  obeisance  given  him  by  the 
Dominie — who  called  no  man  master — showed  him  to  be  oi 
some  distinction.  Perhaps  a  messenger  from  the  Provincial 
authorities,  proffering  help  ;  or,  after  all,  he  might  indeed  be  a 
real  wizard  able  to  change  his  appearance  like  Satan  himself. 

At  that  instant  a  change  from  one  position  to  another  gave 
Teunis  a  chance  of  seeing  him  more  closely,  when  he  almost 
called  out  "that  is  none  else  than  Captain  Whittesley 
that  caused  so  much  commotion  in  Sopus,  the  other  day.'* 
Teunis  had  read  in  the  Arabian  Nights'  entertainment,  of  per- 
sons going  through  such  transformations,  but  he  had  ever 
believed  it  to  be  but  a  fable  ;  and  he  almost  trembled  when 
he  remembered  how  Granny  Hoffman  had  said,  with  her 
long  skinny  linger  lifted  up,  "  Teunie,  Teunie,  never  looken 
on  ole  duivel  wid  hisn  young  face." 

It  was  while  Teunis  was  conning  over  this  warning,  that 
the  object  of  his  scrutiny  turned  his  eyes  in  the  direction  of 
the  place  Avhere  he  was  standing  so  intently,  that  the  hidden 
spectator's  blood  ran  chill.  Rising  from  his  seat  by  the  fire, 
he  took  down  his  pistols,  and  coming  directly  to  the  window 
where  Teunis  stood,  he  thrust  his  hand  so  quickly  that  the 
looker  in  had  just  time  to  squat  on  the  ground,  and  let  the 
inmate  fire  over  his  head,  one  pistol  after  another,  followed 
by  a  similar  discharge  of  guns,  that  it  seemed  as  if  the  cloves 
and  the  gulf  were  sending  back  their  reverberations  which 
increased  in  loudness  as  the  several  pieces  were  fired  off'. 
The  state  of  Teunis's  nervous  system  made  him  believe  that 
the  artillery  he  heard  must  be  something  more  than  earthly ; 
and  had  he  been  threatened  with  a  muzzle  at  his  ear,  he 
would  have  sunk  dead  on  the  ground,  so  feeble  were  his 
knees  when  he  attempted  to  rise.  Recovering  from  his  fear, 
he  heard  the  voices  again  within,  and  ventured  to  look  once 
more.  This  time  the  skin  was  left  a  little  aside,  so  that  lie 
could  hear  and  see  at  the  same  time.  The  stranger  was  re- 
loading the  pieces,  bestowing  great  care  upon  the  manner  as 
well  as  upon  the  matter  in  hand. 

"  You  are  very  precise  and  attentive  to  these  Boanerges. 
Do  you  suppose  that  they  will  speak  their  thunder  any  louder, 
or  with  more  effect,"  said  the  Dominie,  who  was  evidently 


374-  THE   DUTCH   DOMTXIE. 

asking  not  for  information,  for  he  knew  as  well  as  others,  but 
because  he  was  leading  a  conversation. 

"Reverendissimo  Domino,  know  you  not  that  a  little  more 
or  a  little  less  powder  would  either  fail  to  carry,  or  scatter 
the  shot  without  doing  the  execution ;  I  am  confident  that 
Leyden  taught  you  that  loud  thunder  is  not  lightning." 

"  True  sir,  but  I  find  that  thunder  frightens  more  people 
than  the  lightning ;  and  when  you  have  more  powder  in  the 
flask  than  shot  in  the  pouch,  what  is  to  be  done  but  let  fly, 
&nd  you  may  chance  to  liit." 

"  Thrown  away,  Reverendissimo  Domino,  know  this,  that 
a  little  more  or  less  would  fail,  as  I  said  ;  so  look  here,  ihis 
thimbleful  is  worth  more  than  a  homful.  Your  piece  may 
chance  to  kick  you  over  hi  the — I  beg  pardon — pulpit.  I 
give  you  this  illustration  from  Leyden." 

"  You  would  say,''  said  the  reverend  expounder,  "  that 
short  sermons,  short  prayers,  spoken  cool  and  quiet,  to  saint 
and  sinner  are  best.  But  tell  me  if  you  ever  in  the  heat  of 
battle  thought  on  the  thimbleful.  Nature  is  then  above  all 
rules." 

"  Reverendissimo  Domino,  nature  in  war,  work  or  wor- 
ship, is  but  wisdom,  requiring  the  true  expression,  whether 
it  is  to  be  given,  by  Captain  or  Doctor  Theologi.  Be  in  ear- 
nest. The  hea'rt,  your  reverence  ;  the  heart  in  the  right  place, 
and.  then  fire  away  wisely." 

"  Old  Cromwell's  advice,  *  trust  in  Providence,  and  keep 
your  powder  dry.'  Just  as  I  said,  honorable  captain, 
nature  is  above  all  rules;  and  a  few  grains  of  powder  more 
or  less  is  not  thought  of.  Thimblefuls  in  the  heat  of  battle, 
sounds  like  folly.'* 

*'  Ah !  but  Reverendissimo  Domino,  we  measure  the  powder 
before  the  battle  begins,"  was  the  deliberate  words  of  the 
man  loading  the  piece  ;  who  as  deliberately  took  out  a  few 
grams  from  the  thimbleful. 

"  As  we  soldiers  of  King  Immanuel  should  do,"  was  the- 
quiet  reply  of  the  reverend  man,  "I  accept  the  good  advice 
1  have  seen  many  a  good  sermon  lost,  by  scattering  the 
points :  just  as  I  did  myself  in  a  flock  of  pigeons  when  my 
piece  was  overloaded.  To  drop  figure,  I  see  that  you  are  iu 
earnest  there,  preparing  for  battle.  If  so,  please  to  inform 
me,  captain." 

"  Remember,"  was  the  quick  reply  of  the  other,  "  that  you 
we  not  at  liberty  to  use  that  title  here  nor  elsewhere  above 


EEVENGE   18   SWEET.  375 

/our  breath.  After  to-morrow  I  hope  to  throw  aside  all  dis- 
guise, but  I  must  first  have  revenge.  The  face  of  a  dying 
mortal  follows  me  everywhere,  crying  revenge!  For  "that 
have  I  yielded  up  king,  country  and  rank.  Thanks  to  the 
Almighty,  he  has  heard  my  prayer,  and  brought  my  enemy 
close  to  me.  Now  hear  me,  O  God,  again,  and  let  him  not 
elude  my  hand — the  hand  of  justice — a  second  time,  as  he  did 
once  before." 

These  last  words  were  uttered  »with  exceeding  bitterness 
and  while  the  loading  went  on.  There  was  a  deep  determi- 
ation  expressed  as  the  wadding  was  rammed  in,  that  seemed 
to  say  :  "  now  let  it  belch  forth  fire  and  blood."  There  was  a 
pause  in  the  conversation  here  as  if  the  operator  was  afraid 
to  trust  his  feelings  in  words,  and  the  Dominie  was  too  pru- 
dent to  attempt  making  way  for  the  torrent  that  he  saw  lay 
behind.  When  he  spoke,  it  was  cautiously ;  but  venturing, 
he  said  : 

"  Revenge,  my  dear  sir,  is  a  fiery  demon ;  and  I  have  mar- 
velled if  that  be  not  the  reason  why  he  deals  so  much  in 
powder  and  ball." 

"  Reverendissimo  Domino,  there  you  are  wrong  again.  A 
pistol  is  a  gentleman,  and  a  musket  is  a  hero.  If  they  fall 
into  malicious  hands  the  fault  is  with  the  demon  that  uses 
them.  It  is  the  stiletto  and  the  poison  bowl  that  act  the 
coward.  That  pistol  in  my  hands  is  the  executioner  of  jus- 
tice ;  and  all  I  want  is  to  have  such  a  good  judge  as  yourself 
to  see  that  justice  is  done  without  malice.  It  shall  be  dealt 
out  as  the  Almighty  apportions  it  to  the  sinner,  when  he 
sends  down  his  thunderbolts :  God's  firearms  have  no  malice 
in  their  execution." 

"  Noble  sir,  hear  what  that  God  says  *  vengeance  is  mine.' 
It  is  too  sweet  a  morse!,  the  heathen  said,  for  a  mortal  man. 
The  sinner  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  his  sin ;  but  we 
must  wait  Goi's  time." 

"  Reverendissimo  ministro  verbi  Dei.  '  He  that  sheddetr 
man's  blood  by  man  shall  his  blood  be  shed.'  Wait  God's 
time!  O  Heaven!  have  I  not  wailed  thy  time,  and  thanks 


to  thy  great  name,  it  has  now  come.  You  will  say  tins  your- 
self Reverendissimo  Domino,  when  I  have  rehearsed  my  his- 
tory of  wrongs  in  your  ear,  and  my  vows." 

"•  Most  honorable  sir,  you  have  hinted  these  things  to  me 
before,  and  I  am  anxious  to  be  able  to  vindicate  your  honor, 
when  you  are  gone,  for  you  say  that  you  must  go." 

"•  "When  my  duty  is  performed,  and  that  will  be  when  my 


376  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

vow  is  fulfilled.  But  mark,  Reverendisimo  Domino,  how  that 
Providence,  in  which  you  believe,  and  which  I  am  now 
forced  to  believe  in,  has  brought  the  sinner  to  the  place  of 
his  end." 

"  But  have  I  not  heard  something  of  a  decoy  being  used 
to  bring  on  here  him  that  you  call  your  enemy  ?  If  so,  then 
more  than  Providence  has  had  a  hand  in  the  matter." 

"  Ha  !  and  that  has  been  revealed  too  ;  some  minds,  and 
those  of  the  greatest  number,  are  sieves,  letting  all  through 
them.  The  red  race  have  as  open  mouths  as  their  neighbors. 
But  tell  me,  reverend  sir,  if  Providence  does  not  use  ah1  sorts 
of  instrumentalities  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  he  also  controls  them,  when  he  sees  that  they 
would  go  too  far  ;  I  have  seen  a  fool  set  a  mill  going,  and  he 
could  not  stop  it ;  and  I  once  saw  one  open  the  sluice  out  of 
sport,  when  the  water  broke  through  with  a  force  that  swept 
him  away.  It  is  a  dangerous  thing,  this  helping  Provi- 
dence." 

"  It  is  having  a  good  course  yet ;  to-morrow  will  decide  the 
whole  well,  and  you  will  say  Amen." 

"  God  grant  that  it  may ;  but  unless  the  man  who  holds 
the  strings  of  the  puppet-show,  understand  the  machine  well, 
he  may  bring  up  the  wrong  figure,  at  the  wrong  time,  and 
spoil  the  whole  game.  A  wiser  one  than  he  must  direct." 

"  Reverendissimo  Domino,  be  patient  and  you  will  see  this 
special  Providence  here,  as  you  would  say,  now:  did  you 
know  all  that  your  God  has  put  into  my  hand,  you  would 
yourself  urge  me  on  to  make  my  mark  in  the  right  time  and 
place.  I  must  execute  justice  !  Woe  be  to  me  if  I  full  ill  not 
this  mission.  I  see  the  sword  at  this  moment ;  I  have  seen  it 
every  night  for  the  last  year,  as  I  lay  on  that  skin,  suspended 
over  his  head :  and  hear  me,  by  the  God  of  justice,  I  will  have 
revenge." 

"  Perhaps  you  will  succeed,"  the  Dominie  here  interposed 
"  but  does  it  accord  with  our  notions  of  right,  and  propriety 
that  the  injured  should  become  both  judge  arid  executioner." 

This  argument,  which  went  farther  than  the  roused  rca- 
soner  wished,  goaded  him,  so  that  he  almost  screamed  out  in 
madness :  "  No  man  may  come  between  me  and  my  victim. 
I  am  appointed  of  heaven.  I  have  prayed,  planned,  dreamed 
of  this  hour,  and  tracked  him  like  a  sleuth  hound  ;  how  I 
have  lam  on  that  bed  thinking  of  nothing  else,  till  I  fell 
asleep,  and  the  morning  found  me  dreaming  that  I  had  him 
oy  the  throat.  I  have  bought  the  service  of  menials  ami 


REVENGE   IS    SWEET.  377 

flattered  the  vanity  of  fools ;  made  myself  appear  to  the  vul- 
gar a  simpleton,  a  wizard,  everything,  that  I  might  see  this 
day,  and  now  to  let  him  go  into  the  hands  of  those  who 
will  deal  daintily  with  him,  calling  it  justice,  lawful  justice. 
Ha!  ha!  ha!"  ' 

Here  the  speaker  rose  from  his  seat  like  a  maniac,  smiting 
"his  hands  on  his  forehead,  and  laughing  again,  till  the  echoes 
out  of  doors  mocked  the  hoarse  sounds  within. 

During  a  pause  in  this  transport,  the  Dominie  put  in  a  few 
words,  saying  :  "  Then  you  have  not  a  high  opinion  of  Sir 
Henry's  sense  of  justice." 

"  Why  should  I  have  a  high  notion  of  his  honor  ?  This 
man  was  my  bosom  friend ;  I  took  him  into  the  sanctuary  of 
my  heart,  and  of  my  home.  He  betrayed  me  ;  defiled  her 
soul,  which  was  as  pure  as  the  driven  snow  which  I  have 
seen  coming  into  my  hut  here.  Yet  she  died  in  my  arms, 
praying  to  me  for  my  forgiveness.  Freely  did  I  pardon  her ; 
but  I  swore  on  my  knees,  with  her  still  warm  hand  in  mine, 
and  her  eyelids  unclosed,  that  the  villain  who  had  caused 
this  should  have  the  full  punishment.  That  oath  is  recorded 
in  heaven,  and  was  carried  thither  by  her  whom  the  villain 
had  ruined.  But  where  is  the  law  on  man's  statute  book  to 
punish  the  guilty  seducer?  Can  any  tribunal  restore  to  me 
my  pure  Augusta,  or  give  me  back  my  peace  of  mind  ;  my 
home  ;  my  joyous  heart !  Where  is  the  equivalent  on  earth  I 
Men  taunted  me  by  pointing  me  to  the  code  of  honor. 
Honor  with  Satan  !  honor  with  the  man  who  had  already 
violated  all  honor  !  But  still  I  offered  him  the  justice  of  a 
soldier,  and  of  a  gentleman.  He  sneered  at'  me.  When  I 
appealed  to  that  same  Sir  Henry,  he  affected  to  feel  for  me, 
but  he  had  his  favorite  removed,  where  I  could  not  find  him. 
He  promoted  him  instead  of  disgracing  him.  and  then  I  swore 
that  they  all  should  know  and  feel  my  justice," 

"  And  yet  you  know  that  mercy  is  the  darling  attribute  01 
God,"  was  the  quiet  insinuation  of  the  good  man  present,  anx- 
ious to  allay  the  passion  of  the  agitated  solitary,  who  was 
hiding  his  face  a  minute,  till  waking  up  he  said  : 

"  I  know  all  that,  and  it  is  well  for  the  Almighty,  who  ran 
allow  himself  to  wait,  since  time  is  nothing  with  him  ;  lie  lias 
eternity  to  operate  in,  but  we  mortals  must  be  quick  when 
the  time  comes. 

"  And  yet,"  said  the  reverend  visitor,  "  you  have  hew  very 
patient  in  your  purpose,  and  have  taken  a  long  time." 

"Yes,"  and  this  was  said  with  a  deep  sigh,  as  if  it  invoKi-d 


378  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

«i  coufession  of  guilt.  I  left  my  own  colors,  burning  with 
revenge,  threw  myself  into  the  ranks  of  you  rebels,  whose 
cause  was  nothing  to  me,  as  compared  with  my  own ;  the 
authority  of  Washington,  which  you  saw  to-day,  I  purchased 
by  pertinacity  of  purpose.  I  left  the  world,  came  here,  when 
I.  found  that  this  hut  lay  near  to  the  road  which  leads  to  the 
west.  I  bought  the  service  of  Kiskataam,  who  has  decoyed 
the  villain  hither.  I  bought  the  same  Kiskataam  that  he 
might  carry  off  another,  that  shall  be  nameless.  The  black, 
the  white,  you  are  all  now  helping  to  develop  my  plot." 

"  And  is  this  the  secret,"  said  the  astonished  pastor,  "  of 
the  Hermit's  residence  in  this  wild  region  ?  his  walks  by 
night,  and  of  his  journeyings  and  disguises  by  day  ?  For 
this  he  has  made  up  with  the  Jew  and  Christian,  the  deist, 
and  the  pagan.  His  mixing  with  witches  and  saints ;  his  in- 
fluence over  the  old  men,  and  the  young  maidens  ;  all,  that 
he  may  be  revenged  on  one  that  has  injured  him!  ,  Verily  I 
shall  be  humbled  after  this,  when  I  think  of  the  zeal  of  re- 
venge— revenge  on  one  man." 

a  On  two  men,  holy  parson  :  the  one  that  did  the  injury, 
and  the  one  who  sheltered  the  sinner.  Bnth  shall  see  what 
you  Oalvinists  call  a  special  Providence.  God  has  aided  me 
in  my  pursuit.  What  say  you  ?" 

"  I  could  believe  all  you  say,"  said  the  calm  auditor,  smil- 
ing, "  were  it  an  unbiased  interpreter  that  preached  it ;  but 
our  wishes  make  us  partial  commentators,  and  hence  law  has 
been  established  as  the  moderator  between  the  offender  and 
the  offended." 

"  As  the  colonies  should  wait  for  the  king's  law,  and  not 
have  recourse  to  arms,"  was  the  quick  retort  of  the  recluse. 

"  Most  honorable  captain,  the  people  waited  till  the  law 
was  lost  sight  of  in  despotic  tyranny ;  and  we  fell  back  upon 
our  natural  rights." 

"  You  help  me,  reverend  sir ;  I  waited  till  I  saw  there  was 
no  law  for  me,  and  I  have  now  fallen  back  on  my  rights  as  a 
man,  and  it  if  not  possible  for  you  to  overlook  the  advantage 
that  is  thus  thrown  into  my  hand. 

"  I  own,"  said  the  Dominie,  "you  make  out  a  good  case 
for  yourself,  and  on  that  very  account,  I  am  the  more  suspi- 
cious of  the  end  in  view.  We  are  apt  to  be  well  pleased 
with  our  own  creations,  and  call  them  the  work  of  God  when 
it  suits  us. 

"  But  Reverendissimo  Domino,  hear.  There  are  on  the  flat 
rock  above  us  a  band  of  marauders,  and  thev  have  in  their 


REVENGE   IS    SWEET.  379 

hands  some  of  your  own  friends.  They  are  waiting  for 
others.  That  noble-hearted  girl,  Elsie,  is  one  of  them,  and 
the  daughter  of  Clinton  is  the  other.  You  heard  the  story 
to-day  ;  now  tell  me  did  1  bring  that  young  lady  here  ?  Have 
I  detained  Brandt  so  long  that  the  brother  has  had  time  to 
come  and  help  in  the  rescue?  If  this  will  teach  Clinton  that 
he  ought  to  have  done  justice  to  rae,  that  the  hand  of  God 
has  followed  him,  and  found  him  in  his  own  family,  so  that 
the  very  man  who  injured  my  honor,  is  the  destroyer  of  his 
own  peace,  shall  not  the  punishment  of  the  double-dyed  vil- 
lain lead  to  the  deliverance  of  your  friends,  to  the  restoration 
of  the  innocent  girls,  and  to  the  fulfillment  of  my  vow,  and 
be  a  warning  to  the  guilty  ever  afterward  ?" 

"Amen,"  was  the  hearty  response  of  the  vanquished 
Dominie,  whose  feelings  were  all  the  time  on  the  side  of  the 
speaker.  Pipes  and  tobacco  were  now  produced,  where 
amidst  the  thick  fumes  of  smoke,  the  theologian  was  eager 
to  resume  the  argument  on  special  Providence  in  the  abstract. 
His  antagonist  fought  shy,  not  from  any  inability,  as  was 
evident,  but  he  was  now  too  much  in  earnest  to  attend  to 
a  mere  display  of  intellectual  gladiatorship. 

"  I  am  pleased,  sir,  to  see  that  our  discussions  held  before, 
have  had  some  effect  upon  your  belief,  and  that  those  vile 
Anninian  doctrines  are  abandoned." 

"  Venerable  sir,"  was  the  half  jocular  reply  of  the  other, 
"  I  am  too  young  a  convert  to  be  congratulated  on  my  con- 
version. You  have  just  now  warned  me  against  allowing 
my  wishes  to  control  my  faith." 

"  Yes,  honorable  captain,  but  you  have  too  much  philoso- 
phy, and  logical  acumen,  not  to  perceive  the  force  of  that 
canon  of  the  national  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church,  held 
at  Dordrecht,  not" 

"Oh,  yes,  reverend  sir,  that  was  a  great  convention;  I  have 
it  now  before  my  mind.  You  lent  me  the  book,  and  I  have 
profited  by  it ;  but  you  will  not  refuse  a  cup  of  this  good 
liquor,  for  dry  argument  ought  to  have  the  throat  well 
moistened,  else  we  are  apt  to  stick  too  long  at  the  hard 
points." 

During  these  passes  of  intellectual  debate,  the  stranger 
had  put  Ids  hand  into  his  capacious  coat  pocket,  and  pro- 
duced a  square  bottle,  which  he  shook  kindly,  before  he 
poured  out  part  of  its  contents  into  a  wooden  cup ;  holding 
it  out.  to  the  Dominic-,  as  he  made  those  remarks,  in  a  quiet, 
pleasant  manner.  The  minister,  without  stopping  his  dis- 


380  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

course,  took  the  offered  beverage,  and  with  his  pipe  reeking 
-n  his  left  hand,  he  lifted  the  cup  half  way  to  his  mouth, 
looking  in  the  face  of  his  entertainer,  continuing  to  say  : 

"  That  canon  is  as  I  have  said  to  you  before  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  drink ;"  interrupted  the  other.  "  I  know  it 
all  by  heart,  I  have  been,  as  you  shall  hear,  a  most  diligent 
catechumen.  '  As  God  himself  is  most  wise,  unchangeable, 
omniscient,  and  omnipotent,  so  the  election  made  by  him  can 
neither  be  interrupted  nor  changed,  recalled  nor  annulled ; 
neither  can  the  elect  be  cast  away,  nor  their  number  dimin- 
ished.' That  is  the  article.  What  think  you  of  the  liquor  ?" 

"  Honorable  sir,  that  came  out  of  Elder  Abiel's  cellar.  I 
was  there  on  the  night  he  returned  from  Jamaica.  He 
took  home  a  barrel  of  the  same  kind ;  which,  some- 
how, has  run  dry  very  quick.  I  have  always  blamed  that 
scoundrel  Tom.  But,  concerning  that  canon — correctly  re- 
peated, verbatim ;  and  what  is  better,  you  have  expressed 
your  belief  in  it." 

"  Reverendissimo  Domino,  your  good  health,  and  success  to 
our  enterprise.  Your  amen  lingers  in  my  ear  yet,  like  rich 
music.  But  do  you  not  think  that  the  authority  of  that 
Synod  of  Doit,  was  greatly  impaired  in  its  force  by  the  strong 
minority  in  favor  of  Arminius  ?" 

"There  was  a  majority  on  the  right  side,"  said  tin 
Dominie,  warmly,  as  he  emptied  the  second  cup,  "ana 
there  was  Calvin,  a  host  in  himself." 

"  So,  rtverend  sir,  you  test  truth  by  numbers ;  and  the 
quality  of  the  man  that  heads  them.  Where  would  it  lie 
now  with  you  on  one  side,  and  your  humble  servant  on  the 
other?" 

Solomon   declares   that   in   a  multitude   of  counsellors, 
there  is  safety." 

"  Then,  Reverendissimo  Domino,  the  heathen  and  the 
papists  are  safe." 

"  Honorable  sir,  you  know  that  the  staff  of  an  army  is 
the  smallest  part,  yet  they  fight  the  battle." 

"  Just  as  King  George  wanted  to  rule  by  his  staff,  and  the 
many  would  not  allow  it." 

The  Dominie  was  getting  warm  inside  and  out ;  when 
his  teaser  said  to  him,  "here  is  a  subject  that  concerns  u.s 
more  just  now  than  the  Heidelburg  catechism." 

A  large  skin  was  spread  on  the  wall,  the  fur  inside.  The 
unknown  captain  began  to  chalk  out  a  plan  upon  the  surface, 
explaining  as  he  went  alcng  the  combinations  necessary  for 


REVENGE   IS   SWEET.  381 

future  operations.  These  were  too  intricate  for  Tennis  to 
comprehend.  What  he  could  gather  was  enough  to  con" 
vince  him  that  the  Dominie  and  the  hermit  did  not  agree. 

"Your  plan,  noble  captain,  is  all  made  with  one  over- 
whelming thought  in  your  mind — the  punishment  of  your 
personal  enemy  ;  we  cannot  sacrifice  the  good  of  the  whole 
for  that  single  point,  however  intensely  you  may  feel  con- 
cerning your  end.  Your  scheme  has  too  much  of  theatrical 
trick  and  plot  ahout  it  to  prove  in  all  points  successful 
You  are  desirous  that  your  enemy  be  made  to  bite  the 
dust  in  the  eyes  of  an  audience,  whose  very  presence  shall 
humble  him.  We  have  public  good  in  view,  even  though 
your  intended  victim  should  escape  the  fate  he  justly  deserves 
at  your  hands." 

The  Dominie's  auditor  was  calmed  by  a  thrust  which  had 
s»  much  reason  in  it,  but  persisted  hi  saying  that  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  several  parties  was  complete,  that  it  could  not 
possibly  fail  of  both  humbling  the  guilty  and  effecting  the 
public  good. 

"  You  may  be  disappointed  in  what  you  expect.  Let  me 
say  what  I  think.  You  have  woven  your  net  with  such 
exceeding  great  skill  that  I  am  now  afraid  that  the  boldness 
of  the  Mohawk  and  the  desperate  villainy  of  the  English 
colonel  will  break  it ;  when  you  may  find  that  the  wise 
have  been  caught  in  their  own  craftiness.  You  have  heard 
our  plan  of  attack,  noble  captain,  and  if  you  can  take  part  in 
either  division  we  can  make  room  for  you." 

At  this  point  in  the  discussion,  the  captain,  as  he  was 
called,  stepped  forward  and  wrote  with  his  chalk  some  liguivs 
Teunis  could  not  at  his  distance  decipher,  but  which  made 
the  Dominie  start,  and  then  give  a  glance  round.  This 
brought  the  conversation  gradually  to  a  close,  as  if  intended 
to  deceive  some  one  within  earshot. 

"  When  do  you  expect  the  hermit  home  ?"  was  the  casual 
question  of  the  Dominie.  "  He  keeps  late  hours  in  these 
regions." 

''All  hours,  reverend  sir,  are  alike  to  him;  and  as  he 
would  not  relish  more  company  than  suits  him,  we  had  better 
march  up  hill  to  the  camp." 

This  Tennis  only  regarded  as  a  ruse,  for  he  saw  the  glance 
and  the  look  which  was  cast  at  the  window,  and  that  ho 
might  not  be  caught  eavesdropping,  he  slipped  back  into  the 
darkness  for  a  few  minutes,  intending  to  call  at  the  door  as 
soon  as  prudence  would  permit. 


382  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER    V. 

THE     RESTLESS     SPIRIT. 

"  Is  not  this  it  hi  which  my  lord  drinketh  ?    Wherein  indeed  he  diviueth.    And  the  cap 
VM  found  in  Benjamin'n  sack." 

GENESIS. 

TEUNTS  wandered  down  the  hollow  for  at  least  forty  rods. 
lie  sought  to  cool  his  brain,  which  was  burning  with  what 
he  had  witnessed,  and  he  wished  to  collect  his  thoughts 
before  he  ventured  into  the  presence  of  the  man  of  whom 
the  whole  country  were  in  wonder  concerning.  As  he 
turned  his  face  back  toward  the  cabin  door,  he  was  suddenly 
seized  from  behind  by  two  men,  who  pi'oved  to  be  the 
Indians  Kiskataam  and  his  follower,  who  had  been  seeking 
for  this 'chance  since  he  was  in  his  brother  Anthony's  tent. 
One  of  them  closed  upon  his  arms,  while  the  other  put  a  hopple 
round  his  ankle,  thus  preventing  him  from  resisting  or  run- 
ning. A  cloth  bound  over  his  mouth  prevented  his  call 
for  help.  By  signs  not  to  be  mistaken  he  was  directed  to 
pass  the  hermit's  door  ;  when  Tennis  perceived  that  fear  of 
the  inmate  held  his  captors  in  check.  All  at  once  the  words 
of  the  recluse  came  into  his  mind,  "  In  trouble  sound  this 
whistle."  Suddenly  drawing  his  hand  out  of  the  bandage, 
he  seized  the  pebble,  and  gave  a  shrill  call,  that  made  the 
vfilds  resound.  The  Indians,  surprised,  found  the  terrible 
man  before  their  face  ere  they  were  aware  of  it,  with  old 
Dora  and  the  dwarf  in  the  rear.  Torches  of  pitch  pine 
showed  the  state  of  affairs  to  the  relief  of  the  captive.  The 
captors,  finding  themselves  so  unexpectedly  caught,  fled, 
leaving  their  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  his  deliverers.  Great 
was  the  joy  of  old  Dora  over  her  favorite  white  boy,  and  the 
virtue  of  the  black  pebble,  and  as  they  entered  within  the 
abode  of  mystery,  many  a  strange  motion  was  made  by  the 
black  enchantress  before  the  wizard. 

Teunis,  when  he  recovered  himself,  was  in  the  presence  of 
the  man  whom  he  had  seen  before.  The  man  with  the  long 
beard,  the  high  cap,  the  robe  of  figured  blue,  the  bent  body, 
with  a  staff  in  his  hand  of  at  least  seven  feet  in  length.  The 
captain,  with  whom  the  Dominie  had  been  debating,  was  not 
there.  A  superstitious  feeling  swelled  through  the  young* 
man's  breast  like  the  tide  at  full  moon.  His  first  impulse 
was  to  run  after  the  Dominie  and  the  captain,  but  that  WHS 


THE   RESTLESS    SPIRIT.  383 

impossible  with  Dora  there  at  the  door,  and  the  dwarf  at 
her  side,  while  the  hermit  sat  before  the  ruddy  lire,  stroking 
his  heard  and  pointing  Teunis  to  a  seat. 

"Dora  may  go  on  her  errand,"  said  the  grim  man,  "and 
let  her  be  sure  that  she  leaves  one  of  these  sets  of  garments 
at  the  bear's  cave,  and  the  other  at  the  south  side  of  the  big 
falls." 

The  old  creature  came  forward  at  that,  and  laid  down  the 
crystal  cup  which  Teunis  had  seen  in  her  hand  before,  on 
the  tripod  in  the  centre  of  the  room ;  she  was  careful  to 
have  it  stand  immediately  beneath  a  lamp  which  hung  from 
the  roof,  and  Teunis  just  observed  for  the  first  tune  that  the 
lamp  was  the  same  in  size,  in  pattern,  as  well  as  material, 
with  the  mysterious  cup. 

"  Teunis  Roe,"  said  the  Solitary  soon  after  the  door  was 
shut,  "  you  are  in  trouble ;  you  are  seeking  those  you  cannot 
find.  Your  mind  is  divided,  and  how  can  any  one  obtain 
what  his  thoughts  are  not  fixed  upon  1  What  seek  you 
here  at  this  hour  of  the  night,  when  the  very  ravens,  the 
wild-cats,  and  the  panthers  are  all  in  beds,  and  no  one  prowl- 
ing round  but  the  tigers  of  humanity  ?" 

"  If  I  may  venture  to  speak,"  said  the  young  man, 
trembling  from  head  to  foot  at  first,  but  gradually  recover- 
ing himself,  "  the  man  who  asks  of  me  what  I  am  seeking, 
knows  more  of  my  affairs  than  I  do  myself;  and  so  I  ask  at 
once  where  is  Elsie  Schuyler  ?  Is  she  in  bondage  ?" 

"  These  are  questions  which  every  one  has  not  the  right  to 
put ;  nor  have  all  the  right  to  intrude  upon  the  privacy  of 
that  noble  hearted  damsel.  I  may  not  answer  in  words. 
Look  into  that  cup.  Lift  it  in  your  hand  ;  it  is  the  cup  of 
the  famous  Begu  of  Moorshedabad  that  he  called  Alina- 
gore,  the  gate  of  God ;  and  his  spirit  is  ever  present  when 
the  like  minded  gaze  within  its  sacred  walls." 

Teunis,  sincerely  afraid  that  he  was  dealing  with  the  devil, 
and  yet  anxious  to  have  an  answer  to  his  question,  felt  a 
wavering  in  his  mind  at  first,  but  his  reverence  for  the  necro- 
mancer had  diminished  somewhat  since  he  saw  that  Dora 
and  he  had  some  participation  in  the  same  things.  Hud  ho 
known  less  of  Dora,  he  would  have  had  more  fear  of  tho 
recluse,  but  having  been  behind  the  scenes  with  her  in  part, 
he  had  but  a  partial  hold  on  his  imagination.  Still,  to  make 
himself  safe  against  all  the  power  of  the  evil  one,  he  sai<i  tin- 
Creed  secretly  to  himself,  with  the  grace  before  moat  in  min- 
takc  for  another  prayer  he  was  inwardly  gathering  up.  T\r, 


384  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE- 

sides  and  bottom  of  the  cup  were  bright  and  shining,  and 
seemed,  or  really  did,  send  forth  the  pictures  of  living  beings, 
who  were  seen  moving  around  in  the  midst  of  scenes  wild 
and  beautiful.  The  gazer  looked  till  his  head  swam  in  con- 
fusion, eagerly  looking,  yet  not  distinctly  comprehending  the 
objects  before  him.  He  was  about  to  return  the  goblet 
when  a  side  glance  at  one  of  the  figures  discovered  to  him 
the  well-known  outline  of  Elsie ;  and  then  of  Angelica's  pro- 
file, and  even  Rover  came  before  him  at  last ;  with  another 
form,  he  could  not  distinguish  sufficiently  plain.  The  natu- 
ral scene  in  which  they  were  grouped  was  familiar  to  his  eye  ; 
but  the  more  doors  unlocked  in  the  halls  of  his  memory, 
the  more  confused  he  became.  This  was  all  the  more  tor- 
menting, for  it  seemed  that  Elsie  looked  right  into  his  face, 
and  was  holding  up  her  hand  in  an  imploring  attitude. 

"  For  the  love  of  God,"  said  Tennis  in  a  transport  of 
passion,  "tell  me  where  that  place  is.  that  I  may  run  and 
help  her  for  whom  I  would  give  my  life  at  any  moment.  I 
see  that  she  is  in  danger,  and  every  instant  is  worth  a  world 
to  me.'* 

"  Shake  the  gate  of  God,  and  it  will  open  if  your  spirit 
be  in  harmony  with  truth  and  justice ;  we  know  already 
that  love  is  in  the  ascendant ;  but  it  is  the  symmetrical  soul 
alone  which  angels  admire,  and  for  whom  they  will  unfold  the 
doors  of  paradise." 

During  this  brief  homily  the  cup-bearer  had  shaken  it,  and 
was  gazing  intently  down  into  the  bottom  where  he  saw 
figures  of  men  in  crowds,  as  if  fiercely  contending.  Figures 
which  he  could  have  taken  to  be  those  of  persons  whom  he 
knew  and  feared;  but  all  was  so  dark  and  interesting  to  him 
that  he  durst  not  define  too  closely,  though  he  could  not  help 
catching  glimmering  hints.  He  wras  satisfied  that  the  myste- 
rious man  before  him  knew  more  than  he  did  himself;  and  that 
the  shadows  he  was  showing  him  were  intended  to  excite  in 
him  feelings  of  curiosity,  which  maddened  him  rather  than 
gratified  his  desire. 

"  You  mock  me,  whatever  you  be,  wizard,  witch  or  spook," 
said  Teunis,  flinging  down  the  goblet  with  a  ring  that 
startled  himself  more  than  it  did  the  necromancer.  "  You 
show  me  that  Elsie  Schuyler  is  in  danger  and  leave  me  in 
the  dark.  No  good  man  could  be  so  cruel." 

"  Shake  the  cup  not  in  wrath,  for  anger  never  gained 
heart,  hand  or  heaven,"  said  the  gloomy  recluse,  half  smiling 
at  the  violence  of  the  youth. 


THE   RESTLESS   SPIRIT.  885 

Tennis  looked  again,  and  after  patience  he  saw  a  gay 
group  surrounding  a  pair  equally  gay.  All  was  sunshine. 
In  the  distance  was  a  church,  where  offerings  of  praise  went 
up  from  the  assembly,  and  to  the  right  was  a  ship  in  full  sail 
with  streamers  flying  in  the  wind  ;  the  grandeur  of  nature, 
spread  out  before  the  eye  seemed  to  be  hallowed  with  the 
incense  of  heaven.  The  scene  on  the  opposite  side  was  one 
of  death  ar  a  of  blood.  But  scarcely  had  the  curious  gazer 
looked  ui  derstandingly  on  the  pictures  than  the  hunting 
watch  of  che  hermit  struck  ONE,  and  then,  as  if  by  real  magic, 
the  divining  cup  was  dark  and  meaningless. 

Teuuis  started  at  the  sight  of  vacancy,  and  shook  the  gob< 
let  furiously  in  the  hope  of  restoring  the  .vision. 

"  Only  three  times,  young  man,  and  never  after  the  short 
hour.  The  spirit  has  returned  to  his  place." 

"  Good  sir,"  said  Teunis,  now  anxious  to  see  more,  "  let 
me  but  finish  the  vision.  I  have  come  for  counsel,  and  must 
know  the  place  I  am  standing  upon,  before  I  can  act." 

"  You  must  act,  young  man,  without  knowing  all  things. 
We  have  but* glimpses  of  realities  in  this  world.  Faith  must 
guide  us  through  darkness.  You  have  seen  enough  to  warn 
you  of  duty.  Heaven  leaves  us  no  choice  of  duties.  There 
is  danger  near  the  one  you  love.  Be  on  the  alert,  and  the 
time  to  act  is  at  hand.  There  is  blood  on  the  road  to  lite. 
To-morrow  at  noon,  by  the  Dog  Pool,  and  let  your  new 
friends  be  with  you,  for  we  shall  have  a  sacrifice  there,  send- 
ing up  a  fragrance  and  a  smoko  that  shall  be  seen  from  the 
bay  of  Manhattan  to  the  shores  of  Erie." 

With  these  words,  the  strange  man  held  out  a  cup  of  the 
good  Santa  Cruz,  which  Teunis  might  have  shrunk  from  re- 
ceiving from  the  hand  of  a  wizard,  had  he  not  lately  heard 
its  praises  given,  and  its  pith  proved  by  the  man  whose 
word  he  had  never  once  questioned  ;  so  without  a  scruple  he 
drank  the  whole.  He  left  the  cabin  in  much  the  same  kind 
of  feeling  which  a  somnambulist  has  when  he  rises  out  of  bed 
into  dense  darkness,  and  yet  knows  the  way  he  means  to 
fake.  He  mounted  up  the  hill,  thinking  of  what  he  had  seen 
and  heard,  and  scarcely  knew  where  he  was  till  he  stumbled 
upon  the  sentinel,  who  demanded  fiercely,  "  Who  goes  there  ?" 
He  was  too  young  a  soldier  not  to  be  surprised;  so  his  tongue 
hung  fire,  for  he  had  forgotten  the  countersign,  when  an- 
other voice  roared  out,  "  Fire,  you  careless  idiot,  at  once." 
This  roused  the  intruder's  intellect,  who  stammered,  rnoro 
dead  than  alive,  "The  Sword  of  Gideon  and  of  Behnnemau.' 

17 


SS6  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

"  Ha !  ho !  that's  enough,  my  dainty  callant ;"  foi  it  was 
Grant  the  Scotchman  that  spoke.  "You  have  na  learned 
your  carritch  o'er  weel.  But  we'll  forgive  you  this  time.  It 
would  na  been  gude  for  you  had  a  ball  been  put  through 
your  wame,  this  cauld  night,  just  because  Schunaman's  name 
was  na  found  in  the  Book  o'  Judges.  But  where  the  deil 
hae  you  been  a'  this  time  ?  You've  had  a  lang  claver  with 
that  warlock  hi  the  house.  It  brings  me  in  min'  of  Saul  con- 
sulting with  the  witch  of  Endor,  before  the  ba-.tle  on  the 
mountains  of  Gilboa.  I  hope  maer  luck  may  come  of  it.  It'-s 
no  canny,  laddie,  and  I'm  sorry  that  the  minister  should 
show  you  sic  an  example.  But  gang  awa,  and  lie  down  on 
your  bed,  you  are  quite  dazed,  I  see.  There  is  my  plaid,  take 
it  and  row  it  round  you.  It  is  a  wee  wet,  you  feel ;  but  that's 
the  way  we  do  in  the  Highlands — dip  it  in  a  spring,  wring 
it  out,  and  it  will  keep  the  cauld  keen  wind  frae  penetrating 
your  banes.  Mair  especially  as  I  fin'  from  your  breath  that 
you  have  got  a  gude  dram.  A  kind  witch  or  ghaist  he 
maun  be  ;  I  wish  he  would  come  up  this  way.  Now  there 
you  may  lie  like  King  Charlie  himself,  when  he  was  chased 
like  a  partrick  on  the  mountains." 

Teunis  was  too  tired  to  resist  the  attention  of  the  kind 
Gael,  and  he  slept  almost  before  his  head  fell  on  his  moss 
pillow,  so  that  before  his  nurse  left  him  he  was  heard  snoring 
soundly.  Turning  away,  Grant  said  to  himself,  "  Ou  aye 
puir  chiel',  his  head  doon,  his  house  is  theekit." 

Silence  reigned  over  all  the  hills.  Every  voice  wa^  stilled. 
Man  and  beast  were  alike  gone  to  rest.  Already,  the  early 
frosts  had  silenced  the  insect  tribes,  and  the  two  carcases  slain 
that  morning,  had  attracted  the  prowling  races  to  the  south- 
ward of  the  two  camps.  A  distant  growl  or  yell  might  be 
heard  as  if  quarrelling  for  a  dainty  bit,  or  a  summons  from  a 
new  arrival  to  prepare  for  a  surrender.  oVIan  had  lain  down 
to  recruit  his  weary  body,  and  regain  more  energy  of  passion, 
now  exhausted  by  the  toil,  the  suspense,  the  anxiety,  or  the 
frolic  of  the  previous  day. 

One  only  acted  the  part  of  sentinel-general,  and  seemed  to 
move  like  a  ghost  in  unrest,  as  he  went  from  cliff  to  cliff; 
through  hollows  and  brakes,  as  if  these  were  as  familiar  to 
him  as  his  native  home.  It  was  the  strange  and  gloomy 
recluse  who  had  in  his  time  paced  the  banks  of  the  Thames, 
and  the  banks  of  the  Seine.  He  had  fought  under  Cave  in 
Bengal,  and  had  traversed  the  jungle  where  the  Hoogley 
rolled  on  its  yellow  sands.  And  now  he  had  become  tamiliar 


THE   BE8TLE88    SPIRIT.  387 

with  scenes  of  a  more  rugged  and  impressive  character,  in 
harmony  with  his  desperate  nature,  made  more  intense  from 
the  passion  of  revenge,  which  he  had  nursed  in  secret  dis- 
cipline, for  two  whole  years.  He  found  relief  in  these  lonely 
wilds  during  the  midnight  hours,  till  every  tree  and  spring 
had  become  an  acquaintance,  whose  company  he  had  courted 
with  ardent  affection.  One  great  overwhelming  passion 
glowed  within  his  spirit ;  and  but  for  the  prospect  of  gaining 
gratification,  his  brain  must  have  burned  out  all  his  reason, 
and  his  heart  become  crisped  like  the  foliage  of  the  trees,  when 
the  heavens  are  brass,  and  the  hills  iron. 

On  this  night  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  sleep,  and  could 
any  eye  but  a  spirit's  have  followed  him,  he  might  be  seen 
walking  in  his  close  fur  helmet,  a  leather  doublet  tight  to  his 
body,  with  breeches  and  boots  of  the  same  material,  while  in 
a  broad  belt  round  his  waist  were  hiding  those  weapons 
which  he  ever  had  with  him,  though  the  only  visible  arm  of 
defence  was  the  long  hickory  pole,  shod  with  sharp  steel  at 
the  point,  but  containing  in  the  head  a  strong  dagger,  which 
started  from  its  place  by  the  touch  of  a  spring  at  the  middle, 
rendering  Avhat  seemed  but  a  peaceful  hermit's  staff,  on  a  sud- 
den a  lance,  fit  for  the  hand  of  a  knight-errant.  From  hia 
cell  to  the  north  of  the  Dominie's  camp,  he  traversed  slowly, 
till  he  came  in  the  rear  of  Brandt's  forces,  taking  a  narrow  and 
perfect  view  of  the  whole  from  the  South  Mountain.  Passing 
down  the  streams  and  trails,  where  only  the  wil/i  beast  runs, 
he  came  to  the  main  falls,  and  gave  a  passing  glance  at  the 
pool,  where  were  hidden  the  objects  of  that  search,  on  which 
were  so  many  minds  at  that  instant  intent  and  dreaming. 
Before  daylight  he  returned,  saying  in  brief  soliloquy,  "how 
easy  it  would  be  for  me  to  deliver  those  captives  by  the  road 
I  have  taken  myself,  and  the  words  of  that  honest  man  still 
echo  in  my  ear.  '  It  is  dangerous  to  help  Providence.'  He 
would  say  nothing  should  take  the  place  of  positive  duty. 
Relieve  now,  and  trust  the  rest.  But  the  punishment  must 
be  measured  out  in  the  presence  of  all.  The  report  must  be 
carried  back,  where  it  will  tell.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  must  be 
made  to  see  that  he  has  but  narrowly  escaped  the  vengeance 
he  has  proudly  invoked.  Yes,  said  the  excited  exile,  striking 
his  staff  on  the  rock,  it  shall  be  heard  of  in  the  army,  that  the 
villain  has  been  made  to  bite  the  dust.  And  in  London  too, 
shall  it  be  said  that  the  heir  of  Brantwood  had  power  k-l't  to 
punish  his  enemies  though  they  hide  themselves  in  the  lair  of 
the  panther." 


5-58  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

Returning  to  his  cabin,  lie  threw  himself  or  the  skins  which 
lay  on  the  settle,  that  served  for  seat  and  for  bed..  His  voice 
died  away  in  prayer  that  God  might  give  his  hand  etr^ngth 
for  justice,  and  bitterly  weeping,  he  cried,  "  thou  mire  Spir**,, 
whose  bosom  was  soiled  by  the  slimy  serpent,  thou  who  hea^** 
my  vow  of  vengeance,  come  and  behold  justice  inetea  out- ?.«-»• 
thy  dishonor." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  LAST  INDIAN   BATTLE   ON  THE   EIVER   HUDSON,    1760.* 

"  And  Gush  begat  Nimrod  :  he  was  a  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord." 

BIBLK. 

THE  fretfulness  of  Brandt  with  his  braves  was  becoming 
every  hour  more  apparent.  The  hope  of  succeeding  in  di- 
verting the  colonists  from  watching  the  passage  between 
the  north  and  south  was  almost  fled.  But  the  pride  of  the 
Mohawk  was  mortified  when  he  thought  of  retreating  back 
into  the  wilds,  where  he  knew  that  he  must  be  buried  in  ob- 
scurity. Could  he  only  get  a  foothold  on  the  Great  Rver, 
making  the  mountain  his  base,  he  might  be  of  some  import- 
ance in  the  eye  of  the  great  king  of  England. 

Upon  this  weakness  of  the  Indian,  Clifford  was  directing 
all  his  skill,  holding  out  the  hope  before  him  of  being  able, 
after  a  few  days,  to  descend  and  make  a  lodgment  on  those 
very  islands  which  they  could  distinguish  from  their  camp  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Kaatskill  Creek.  Not  that  he  deemed  such 
an  attempt  wise,  or  likely  to  be  successful,  but  anything 
which  might  detain  the  Mohawk  here  for  a  few  days  longer 
was  deemed  by  him  to  be  lawful. 

The  little  army  of  red  and  painted  men  were  preparing  for 
the  grand  hunt  that  was  to  come  ofi'  that  day ;  and  while  the 
braves  were  so  engaged  the  leaders  stood  out  upon  the  verge 
of  the  cliff,  watching  the  mist  as  it  rolled  away  at  the  sight 
of  the  sun. 

"  I  have  heard,"  said  Clifford,  as  if  incidentally,  "  of  a  great 
battle  being  fought  for  the  kingship  of  the  Six  Nations,  on 
those  two  islands  below  these,  between  your  ancestor  Hend- 

*  Colonel  Stone  refers  to  this  battle,  and  quotes  frcm  a  manuscript 
history  by  one  Smith  of  Schoharie. 


THE   LAST   Wma.*    8ATTLE   ON   THE    HUDSON.  389 


rick  and  Etau-o-quam,  tho  Mohican  ;  does  the  great  Mohawl 
hear  me  ?" 

"  Thayendanegea  wa^  there,"  replied  the  chief  proudly, 
"with  King  Hendrick,  when  no  bigger  than  an  eagle's 
height.  There  this  wound  was  made  :  the  first  time  blood 
came  at  the  point  of  a  spear.'' 

At  this,  the  chief  made  Mb  shoulder  bare,  that  the  wound 
might  appear.  Clifford  was  ^ainng  his  end  without  an  effort, 
and  as  if  casually,  said. 

"  Some  of  you  old  Dutchmen  mas*,  remember  that  battle  ; 
it  is  not  over  twenty  years  since." 

Several  spoke  here  at  once,  saying  t):at  they  were  present 
as  spectators;  but  all  allowed  the  Elder  Abie!  had  the  most 
to  do  with  it,  being  acquainted  well  with  the  Mohican  chief's, 

"Well,"  said  Clifford,  "we  have  an  hour  to  spare,  let  us 
hear  the  account  ;  I  am  sure  it  must  please  the  Mohawk 
chief  —  the  present  king  of  the  Six  Nations  to  listen  to  a  white 
man  telling  of  the  bravery  of  Hendrick,  who  fought  for  thy 
crown,  which  Brandt  now  wears  so  nobly.  It  would  be  a 
pity  to  leave  those  beautiful  islands  down  there  in  the  hands 
of  the  rebels,  when  another  battle  would  secure  them  to  the 
rightful  owner." 

The  Elder  Abiel,  thus  pressed  into  the  service,  could  not 
escape  from  the  task  of  narrating  what  he  had  seen.  The 
subject  was  familiar  to  him  ;  and  as  his  audience  were  evi- 
dently all  interested,  he  began  as  follows  : 

THE   ELDER   ABIEL'S   STORY. 

"  The  ground  of  that  war  between  the  Mohawks  and  the 
Mohicans,  was  the  crown  of  the  Six  Nations.  Hendrick  had 
been  in  England  and  felt  that  the  title  went  a  great  way 
there.  So  had  Etau-o-quam,  but  he  was  of  a  more  exalted 
mind,  in  religion  and  was  less  ambitious  of  distinction,  lie 
was  stirred  up,  however,  by  his  son  Newabina  and  by  the 
neople  of  New  England,  who  wished  to  cripple  the  power  of 
Sir  William  Johnson  in  the  West.  Hindering  Hendrick  they 
hindered  Johnson  ;  so  they  secretly  set  the  one  chief  against 
the  other.  There  had  been  much  mauoeuvering  all  ovei',  of 
which  we  heard  a  little. 

"The  chief  village  of  the  Mohicans  was  down  there. 
There  are  remains  of  it  still  to  be  seen,  but  it  was  one.'  i 
thriving  place,  the  centre  of  a  large  population.  Etau-o-quaiu 
had  hin  wigwam  on  the  Haup-pee-naus,  a  hi^h  bluff  at  tho 


390  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

angle  of  the  creek.  He  was  an  old  man,  very  lofty  and 
proud  of  having  seen  Queen  Anne,  who  gave  him  and  some 
other  chiefs  royal  robes.  Dominie  Schuneman  says  the 
whole  account  is  in  a  book  called  the  Spectator.  Colonel 
Clifford  no  doubt  has  read  it  ?" 

"Yes,"  said  the  soldier,  growing  sincerely  interested,  I 
remember  seeing  the  Indian  Kings  at  Drury  Lane  Theatre, 
just  as  Addison  describes  them.  Go  on." 

"  The  first  notice  which  .we  had  of  the  coming  war  was 
through  one  Drake,  who  was  on  a  trading  excursion;  as  lie 
pretended,  but  who  really  came  hither  from  Stockbridge 
with  a  message  from  these  wise  men  of  the  east,  to  the  great 
chief  Etau-o-quam. 

"  That  chief  had  gone  out  leaning  upon  the  arm  of  his  son, 
Newabina ;  himself  a  noble  specimen  of  the  red  mau. 
Dressed  in  the  regalia  he  had  received  in  London :  he  felt  a 
presentiment  of  his  end  being  near  and  he  longed  to  look 
once  more  upon  the  lofty  mountains.  Rising  to  his  full 
height,  he  held  out  his  hands,  as  if  to  embrace  the  towering 
height.  Knowing  every  change  which  High  Peak  puts  on, 
he  perceived  that  a  new  aspect  was  assumed,  indicative  to 
him  of  a  change  for  himself. 

"  '  The  sun  sets  amidst  the  mist,'  said  he.  '  There  is  blood 
mingling  with  the  streams ;  I  hear  the  music  of  war,  I  must 
fall  with  my  mantle  around  me.  Let  me  be  gathered  into 
Asinath,  the  tomb  of  my  fathers.  But  first  must  I  drink  of 
the  spring  that  runs  close  by  their  graves.  Thereof  I  drank 
in  youth ;  to  that  I  ran  first,  on  returning  from  the  house  of 
the  great  queen.  I  shall  come  from  the  hunting-grounds  of 
the  west  to  drink  of  that  clear  fountain.' 

"  It  was  on  returning  from  this  sacred  pilgrimage,  that  the 
man  Drake  met  him ;  putting  into  his  hand  a  small  package, 
which  was  not  opened  then,  and  though  the  curious  trader 
felt  anxious  to  draw  the  chief  into  conversation,  he  got  no  re- 
ply, which  somewhat  annoyed  the  inquisitor.  Falling  in,  how- 
ever, with  an  old  acquaintance,  who  had  come  hither  from 
Ulster,  the  travelling  merchant  found  good  quarters  Avith 
Johannes  Du  Bois,*  where  he  was  sitting  quietly  after  sapper, 
toiling  what  he  knew,  that  he  might  get  knowledge  back  \vilh 
interest;  or  as  he  said  himself,  he  put  a  little  water  into  the 
pump  so  that  he  might  pump  all  he  wanted  out  of  the  cistern. 

*  John  Du  Bois,  a  son  of  the  one  mentioned,  who  died  at  the  advanced 
age  of  93,  had  a  distinct  recollection  of  this  battle,  and  described  it  v'vMlv 


THE   LAST   INDIAN   BATTLE   ON   THE   HUDSON.  391 

" '  I  guess,  Mr.  Du  Bois,'  said  the  trader,  '  you  can  read 
Ingen  ?' 

"  The  Dutchman,  who  was  a  man  of  silence  and  was  at  that 
time  enjoying  his  pipe,  merely  nodded  his  head. 

"'Well,'  continued  Drake,  'tell  me  the  meaning  of  a 
muskrat  darting  at  an  otter?' 

"  Du  Bois  here  took  his  pipe  from  his  mouth  and  sprang 
to  his  feet  with  a  leap  that  startled  the  peddler  up  to  the  same 
position,  where  they  stood  facing  each  other,  before  either 
found  a  tongue.  Du  Bois  spoke  tirst. 

"• '  Where  have  you  seen  that  sight  ?' 

" '  I  did  not  say  I  saw  it,  I  only  asked  what  it  meant.'  for 
his  conscience  told  him  he  had  been  guilty  of  violating  the 
trust  put  in  his  honor. 

"  '  You  will  know  what  that  means  before  long,'  if  I  be  a 
true  prophet.  The  great  Mohawk  has  sent  his  challenge,  or 
else  our  chief  here  has  got  word  of  the  coming  he  has  been  ex- 
pecting for  a  month  past.  The  muskrat  is  the  Mohawk's  totem, 
and  the  other  is  for  the  river  chietl  You  can  read  the  rest.' 

" '  Or,  as  a  Philadelphia  lawyer  would  say,  their  signmanual. 
But  do  you  suppose  that  old  chief  will  fight  ?' 

"  '  Do  you  think  he  will  die,'  said  Du  Bois,  '  He  will  fight 
as  sure  as  death ;  and  there,  I  declare  they  are  singing  the 
war-song  now.  Nay,  see  how  the  fires  are  burning  all  over 
the  country.' 

"  '  Yaw  !  yaw !'  said  Gertrude,  the  wife  of  Du  Bois,  '  there, 
the  lights  are  blazing  on  the  Hau-pee-naus.'  She  said  this  as  she 
lifted  her  babe  in  her  arms,  running  in  terror  to  the  door,  that 
she  might  hear  as  well  as  see :  She  called  as  she  looked  back  : 

"  '  Tiiey  are  singing  psalms  to  their  God.  Their  squa\vs  are 
loudest." 

"  *  Rather  to  the  devil,'  said  Drake,  whose  puritanic  blood 
rose  at  the  thought  of  these  red-skins  and  their  cruelty. 

",The  house  of  Du  Bois  was  on  the  banks  of  the  stream 
that  comes  down  fr  jm  these  little  lakes,  and  was  situated  about 
half  a  mile  from  its  mouth.  It  was  a  strongly  built  stone  struc- 
ture, after  the  Huguenot  fashion,  one  large  room  with  cham- 
bers overhead.  It  could  be  turned  into  a  fort  in  time  of 
need;  but  before  Du  Bois  would  determine  on  his  course,  ho 
deemed  it  best  to  take  a  quiet  survey  of  the  camp.  Ac- 
cordingly he  walked  out  along  with  Drake,  who  was  no 
Coward,  though  a  peddler.  They  climbed  up  a  hill,  that 
stood  between  the  house  and  the  Hau-pee-naus,  when:  they 
sa\v  the  beacon  burning  all  along  the  base  of  the  mount. -.in. 


39S*  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE, 

Du  bi  ;g  understood  the  warning,  and  made  up  his  mind  it 
would  be  best  to  move  his  family  inland,  and  turned  back 
with  that  intent. 

"  '  Gitty,'  said  he,  '  is  a  brave  creature,  but  there  is  no  say- 
ing what  these  bloody  beings  might  do  when  their  wrath  is  up.$ 

" '  I  guess,'  said  Drake,  '  I  now  understand  the  meaning 
of  those  dark  hints  that  Priest  Wheelock  threw  out  about 
wars  and  rumors  of  war,  last  Sunday.' 

"  There  was  but  little  sleep  for  any  of  us,"  continued  the 
Elder  Abiel,  "  in  that  region  all  that  night.  We  on  the  Vlatts 
soon  heard  the  yells  of  the  roused  warriors,  and  though  the 
Mohicans  were  our  friends,  an  Indian  in  a  rage  is  a  very  un- 
pleasant companion.  I  started  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  raid 
took  my  stand  on  that  kekute  from  which  you  see  the  smoke 
rising  now,  where  I  met  a  number  of  my  acquaintances,  and 
we  looked  down  on  the  red  circle,  where  the  old  chief  stood  in 
the  midst,  dressed  as  I  have  told  you.  He  was  dancing  as  a 
young  chieftain  mingles  in  the  crowd.  All  night  there  was  a 
ceaseless  stream  of  their  squaws  and  papooses  passing  on  to 
Castilberg,  where  it  was  supposed  the  weaker  portion  of  the 
population  would  be  safe.  Still  these  were  not  unarmed,  nor 
unprepared,  for  Etau-o-quam  himself  was  there  in  command. 
While  on  the  outside  of  their  village,  to  the  south,  a  strong 
party  were  secreted  under  the  command  of  the  chief  Newa- 
viua,  and  a  third  division  was  on  the  little  island  at  the  mouth 
of  the  creek.  It  was  in  a  measure  to  be  a  pitched  battle,  and 
scouts  were  sent  out  by  both  armies  as  early  as  the  twilight, 
with  orders  to  penetrate  as  far  as  possible,  and  divine  their 
modes  of  attack  and.  of  defence.  Those  of  the  Mohican  did 
not  require  to  go  far  till  they  met  the  Mohawk  fleet,  on  its 
way  down,  making  for  the  larger  island  out  in  the  river,  where 
they  all  disembarked.  However,  this  was  for  the  purpose  of 
deceiving  the  enemy  on  the  main  land.  Hendrick  had  re- 
ceived accounts  from  his  spies,  of  how  the  foe  was  posted, 
and  determined  to  surprise  him  in  all  his  three  points.  lu 
this  he  showed  a  lack  of  that  wisdom  he  had  learned  when 
afterward  at  Saratoga.  When  Sir  William  Johnson  was  bent 
upon  dividing  his  forces,  Hendrick,  his  Indian  ally,  took  three 
sticks,  giving  one  after  another  to  the  Englishman,  bidding 
him  break  them ;  and  taking  three  more,  he  handed  them  to 
him  at  once,  and  asked,  of  him  to  do  the  same  thing.  The 
symbol  was  understood  and  the  advice  taken  with  success. 
Hendrick  had  learned  something  of  the  art  of  war  in  this 
little  battle,  where  he  nearly  lost  all  by  dividing  his  ii>r;-e> 


THE  LAST   INDIAN   BATTLE   ON   THE   HUDSON.  393 

"A  heavy  fog  lay  upon  the  river  all  night,  which  prevented 
the  attack  from  taking  place  as  early  as  was  the  Mohawk's 
intention ;  still  he  sent  out  one  party  from  the  upper  end  of 
Ussaman  Island,*  who  were  to  follow  a  small  stream  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river  that  comes  down  through  the  rising 
ground  which  you  see  t*  the  north  of  the  Kaatskill  Creek, 
about  two  miles  distant  up  the  river.  Scouts  had  already, 
through  the  dark,  crawled  forward  one  before  the  other,  at 
certain  distances,  so  as  to  be  heard  by  one  another  through 
signs  preconcerted ;  so  that  the  Avhole  devoted  camp  was  en- 
encircled,  and  the  ground  fully  understood  before  morning 
dawned.  Every  ear  in  the  beleaguered  fort  was  awake,  and 
scarcely  a  whisper  was  heard,  for  all  waited  for  the  onset.  It 
did  come  upon  all  three  forts  at  once.  Hendrick  sailing  down 
the  east  side  of  the  river  early  in  the  fog,  led  his  main  body 
from  a  few  miles  below,  up  through  the  woods,  where  they 
lay  coiled  like  so  many  serpents  on  the  ground,  till  they  heard 
the  war-cry  from  Castilberg,  when  up  the  great  chief  Hend- 
rick started,  giving  the  whoop  to  his  braves,  then  rushed  upon 
the  camp  of  Newabina,  which  was  there  to  meet  the  onset 
with  a  vigor  and  a  spirit  which  made  the  Mohawk  fall  back 
crt'st-fallen  for  a  time.  But  for  the  renown  and  power  of 
their  leader,  all  would  have  been  lost.  As  it  was,  they  had 
to  take  to  the  trees  and  the  gullies,  where  they  crouched,  :mu 
watched  the  movements  of  their  enemy,  whose  spirit  being 
flushed  with  the  success  of  their  defence,  were  more  thaii 
ready  to  expose  themselves  to  the  eyes  of  the  marksmen  on 
the  other  side,  and  consequently  lost  several  of  their  best 
warriors  through  extra  zeal  and  courage. 

"  The  attack  on  Castilberg  was  simultaneous  with  that  on 
the  Hau-pee-naus  village  by  Hendrick,  whose  intention  wa. 
to  surround  the  island,  where  he  supposed  the  main  body  of 
the  Mohicans  were  lodged,  and  thus  cut  oft'  their  retreat,  so 
tiiat  they  would  be  entirely  massacred  ;  for  little  Abraham, 
llendrick's  brother,  was  hovering  around  the  island  Wan- 
tona  with  a  fleet  of  canoes,  ready  at  a  signal  from  the  land,  to 
enter  upon  his  part  of  the  battle.  We  have  seen  how  ihc 
attack  upon  Newabina's  force  was  repulsed,  and  th;it  upon 
the  castle  did  not  come  off  any  better.  The  old  chief  Etau- 
<j-quam,  took  the  command,  and  felt  the  blood  cf  his  youth  riso 
to  fury.  Like  the  old  war-horse  that  the  gooil  book  tells  UN 
about,  bis  neck  was  clothed  with  thunder.  He  smelled  ilu- 

*  Now  Rodgers.— D.  M. 
17* 


394  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

battle  afar  off;  and  said  Ha-ha.  Rushing  from  the  gateway 
of  the  fortress,  he  shouted  his  war-cry,  so  cleai  and  strong, 
that  his  people  below  who  heard  it  regarded  it  as  the  sure 
omen  of  victory.  His  scarlet  robe  still  on  him,  but  bound 
round  his  loins  with  a  bear-skin  belt,  and  his  crown  tied 
under  his  chin,  he  swung  his  famous  tomahawk,  till  he  fixed 
his  aim,  then  flung  it  with  a  force  and  a  skill  into  the  skull 
of  the  leader  of  the  assailants,  which  felled  him  at  once  to 
the  ground.  Rushing  forward  on  the  prostrate  foe,  he  had 
his  hair  at  once  in  his  hand,  and  his  scalping-knife  at  its 
dread  work,  so  that  he  succeeded  in  tearing  the  trophy  from 
the  head  o~  his  enemy,  but  was  struck  down  himself  by  a 
blow  that  laid  him  on  the  ground,  from  which  he  was  borne 
oil*  by  his  people,  and  placed  within  the  fort,  upon  his  bed  of 
skins.  His  example  had  its  effect  upon  all,  friend  and  foe. 
The  Mohawks  were  beaten  back  as  far  as  the  mill  which 
stands  tliere  to  the  east  of  Castilberg,  where  they  took  re- 
fuge. The  force  in  the  castle  was  not  strong  enough  to 
storm  them,  nor  was  it  intended  that  this  party  should  act 
except  on  the  defensive.  They  returned  to  watch  over  the 
old  king  of  the  rivers,  who  had  evidently  struck  his  last 
blow.  Body  and  soul  were  alike  yielding  up,  and  preparing 
himself  tor  his  departure  to  the  hunting-grounds  of  his 
fathers,  he  sent  a  message  to  Xewabina,  commanding  hii 
presence  when  Henri  rick  was  repulsed. 

"That  brave  chief  was  restraining  his  own  followers,  and  at 
the  same  time  watching  the  movements  of  the  Mohawk.  He 
had  most  to  fear  from  the  pent-up  ardor  of  his  braves,  who 
were  eager  to  rush  out  and  become  the  assailants ;  but  he 
satisfied  them  by  encouraging  individual  prowess,  while  the 
main  body  were  spectators  of  the  fierce  play.  If  a  MohaAvk 
was  seen  to  skip  from  tree  to  tree,  coming  all  the  time 
nearer,  Newabina  would  encourage  some  volunteer  to  rush 
over  the  defence  around  his  camp,,  and  scalp  the  skulking 
enemy.  An  instance  of  this  kind  kept  the  two  parties  at 
bay  for  a  time.  One  of  Hendrick's  braves  was  observed  by 
the  Mohican  chief  himself  to  hide  behind  a  largo,  oak ;  and 
from  that  to  take  aim,  so  truly,  that  his  shots  told  upon  seve- 
ral of  the  best  men  of  the  army.  The  patience  of  Newabina 
was  exhausted,  and  without  any  previous  sign  he  rushed 
with  such  unexpected  fury  upon  the  hiding  Mohawk,  that  he 
nearly  stumbled  over  the  foe;  when  with  one  blo\v  of  hi.-; 
battle-axe  he  prostrated  him  to  the  ground.  With  his  lin- 
gers twisted  in  the  hair  of  his  enemy,  he  was  preparing  to 


THE   LAST   INDIAN   BATTLE   ON    THE   HUDSON.  395 

finish  his  work,  when  the  keen  eye  of  Hendrick  saw  the 
advantage,  who  was  soon  on  his  way  to  take  the  combat 
on  himself;  but  being  heavy  and  stiffer  than  he  had  been,  he 
measured  his  distance  so  that  his  tomahawk  fell  short  of  its 
mark,  and  quivered  in  the  oak  behind  where  the  Mohican 
stood  with  the  dripping  scalp  hi  his  left  hand,  and  his  knife 
in  the  other,  ready  to  plunge  it  into  his  great  enemy,  when 
he  came  up.  Prudence  restrained  both  of  these  wily  chiefs 
from  single  combat.  The  crisis  had  not  yet  come. 

"Like  all  Indian  battles  where  they  were  so  evenly  matched, 
this  combat  continued  for  several  hours,  and  but  few  lives 
were  lost.  Defeated  in  their  cunning  at  surprisal,  the  Mo- 
hawks fell  back.  So  far  as  the  battle  had  gone,  the  Mohicans 
were  the  victors.  Aware  of  the  approach  of  the  Mohawks, 
they  had  been  ranged  in  fine  order  in  the  form  of  a  half  moon, 
behind  an  intricate  brush  fence,  which  had  been  in  use  before 
ihiF  in  a  former  contest,  and  had  then  proved  its  worth. 
j  hfty  h  id  improved  it,  and  made  it  unpenetrable  to  half  naked 
rr.enl  Every  attempt  at  breaking  through  only  hurt  the 
assailants,  and  just  at  the  time  when  Hendrick's  braves  were 
becoming  discouraged,  he  received  word  of  the  failure  on 
Castilberg,  which  made  him  decide  at  once  on  a  retreat ;  as, 
in  proportion  to  his  loss,  would  be  the  gain  of  his  enemy. 
.ihling  every  moment  lest  he  should  be  attacked  in  his 
r  ;ik  by  the  forces  of  the  hill,  he  retired  by  degrees,  fight- 
ing all  the  way.  His  retreat  was  masterly  of  its  kind,  and 
new  to  his  pursuers,  so  that  they  were  puzzled;  losing 
ground  rather  than  gaming  new  laurels,  Hendrick  put  his 
men  that  bore  fire-arms  into  three  files,  running  parallel  to 
each  other,  when  they  moved  backward,  but  as  the  two  out- 
side ranks  discharged  their  pieces  they  ran,  leaving  the 
middle  rank  to  defend,  as  long  as  possibles  when  they  al.M> 
fired,  running  immediately  and  passing  their  fellows,  who  l>y 
this  time  had  loaded,  and  were  ready  for  defending,  firing  and 
running,  so  that  by  the  time  they  had  reached  the  pl-u-n 
where  their  canoes  lay  off  in  the  liver,  the  Mohicans  had  nut 
come  up,  nor  did  they  see  what  was  going  on  of  the  em- 
barkation till  the  last  file  were  leaping  into  the  water,  i-p  to 
their  middle,  and  swimming  out  to  their  companions,  leaving 
their  pursuers  shouting  defiance,  and  yet  feeling  that  it  wao 
but  a  partial  victory. 

"  Little  Abraham's  attempt  upon  the  island  Wantona  *  was 

*  The  present  Catskill  landing  is  a  small  island  connected  with  the  main1::r«l 
n    an  artificial  neck.     The  whole  point  was  covered  with  sycamore  tn-cv< 


396  THE    DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

not  more  successful  than  the  other  two  attacks.  Indeed,  from 
the  first  it  was  more  a  feint  than  intended  to  be  serious ;  though 
from  the  natural  fury  of  the  Indian  character,  it  became  soon 
too  bloody  to  stop  at  the  command  of  a  leader  less  than 
Hendrick  himself.  Having  strict  orders  not  to  leave  their 
canoes  at  the  risk  of  losing  thorn — since  upon  them  lay  the 
safety  of  the  whole  expedition,  in  case  of  a  defeat  on  the 
main  land — this  third  division  did  not  venture  far  into  the 
sycamore  woods,  which  served  so  well  as  a  means  of  de- 
fence to  the  party  lodged  within ;  still,  some  of  the  more 
venturous  rushed  over  that  boundary,  and  were  cut  off 
from  the  main  body,  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  Mohicans, 
who  were  hidden  among  the  bushes,  lying  flat  upon  their 
faces  till  they  saw  their  chance.  Abraham  drew  his  braves 
off  without  attempting  a  rescue,  which  he  saw  was  vain, 
and  had  the  mortification  of  seeing  a  few  of  his  best  men 
killed  before  his  eyes  with  horrible  cruelty.  Retiring  im- 
mediately to  the  Ussaman  island,  he  sent  down  the  canoes  to 
aid  his  brother  in  his  retreat. 

"  1ST ewabina,  considering  the  battle  over,  ran  immediately  to 
Castilberg,  where  the  old  king,  Etau-o-quarn,  was  lying  ready 
for  his  son,  and  looking  forward  to  the  hunting-grounds  of  his 
fathers.  H'o  found  him  content.  The  fierce  Mohawk,  his  only 
rival,  had  been  beaten  back ;  and  now,  contrary  to  his  ex- 
pressed wish  of  the  previous  day,  he  commanded  that  his  rega- 
lia, regarded  by  him  with  so  much  pride,  should  be  taken  off 
from  him,  and  his  son  put  into  the  kingship,  while  his  eyes 
were  yet  clear  to  behold  him.  Over  forty  years  had  he  worn  it. 
From  the  time  he  had  received  it  in  London  from  the  Great 
Queen  over  the  big  waters,  he  had  worn  it  on  all  festive  occa- 
sions, whether  in  war  or  in  peace.  He  made  Xewabina  kneel 
at  his  couch;  putting  his  withered  hand  across  his  brow 
thrice,  he  took  the  feathery  crown  and  put  it  on  the  head  of 
the  elected  king,  giving  him  at  the  same  time  the  silver- 
mounted  tomahawk:  the  symbols  of  power  to  rule,  and  of 
power  to  execute.  Bidding  him  walk  three  times  before 
him  through  the  tent,  he  called  him  once  more  near,  wheu 
he  muttered  something  like  an  invocation;  then,  laying 
himself  back,  he  never  spoke  more.  On  the  same  even- 
ing, just  as  tho  sun  was  bidding  the  world  adieu,  the  moun- 
tains and  the  sky,  resplendent  with  the  radiance  of  his  beams, 
ihey  laid  the  old  chief  in  his  last  bed  at  the  foot  of  that  hill. 
Any  one  Avill  tell  you,  should  you  venture  there,  where  the 
s'  graves  are  made.  From  that  Castiiberg  his  grave  is 


1BE   LAST   INDIAN   BATTLE   ON   THE   HUDSON. 

seen  w:th  this  mountain  stream  placidly  winding  round  it :  tho 
Hsiu-pee-naus  lies  to  the  south  a  little  way ;  while  the  great 
river  over  which  he  reigned  so  long,  still  winds  on  with  ma- 
jestic flow.  I  have  stood  on  that  rising  ground  at  sunset, 
looking  to  the  mountains  above,  on  which  there  lay  palaces, 
castles,  islands,  and  smooth  blue  lakes,  of  spiritual  beauty ; 
and  have  at  times  envied  the  men  who  imagined  those  near 
glories  to  be  the  grounds  and  the  streams  to  which  Etau-o- 
Guam  had  gone,  the  last  king  of  the  rivers. 

"  Newabina,  dressed  in  the  royal  attire  of  his  sire,  camo 
down  among  his  people,  who  received  him  with  shouts,  for 
they  deemed  that  his  crown  was  fairly  won  ;  but  the  chief, 
the  moment  he  stood  on  the  Hau-pee-naus,  and  looked  out 
upon  the  water,  perceived  that  his  new  honor  was  not  to  be 
retained  without  a  struggle.  The  crafty  Mohawk  had  a  plan 
from'  the  first,  which  he  intended  to  put  in  force,  but  which 
he  kept  to  himself.  In  the  meantime  he  was  seen  strength- 
ening his  camp  on  one  of  those  small  fields  where  the  Mohi- 
cans had  from  time  immemorial  raised  the  fragrant  weed.* 
Pie  affected  no  secrecy  of  his  intention  to  remain  and  watch 
his  chance  for  another  onslaught ;  and  though  he  saw  his 
enemy  on  the  east  shore  and  on  the  west  side  reconnoitering 
his  camp,  he  made  no  attempt  at  driving  them  away.  As 
night  came  on,  the  death  song  for  the  fallen  braves  rang  out 
over  the  waters,  and  was  echoed  from  the  shores,  sometimes 
m  low,  plaintive  tones,  and  at  intervals  with  wild  shrieks, which 
made  the  blood  curdle  in  the  veins  of  those  of  us  who  were 
listening  upon  Overpaugh's  kekute ;  that,  you  see,  as  I  said 
already,  smoking  there  at  this  moment. 

"  But  from  that  we  went  down  to  the  high  land  that  over- 
looks the  river,  where  a  band  of  us  stood  at  night.  The  two 
islands  seemed  in  the  dark  like  two  terrible  creatures  glaring 
upon  each  other  with  their  thousand  eyes  ;  as  if  looking  into 
the  hearts  they  wished  to  penetrate.  Yells  of  defiance  went 
forth  amidst  the  songs  of  lamentation,  while  from  Castilherg 
was  heard  a  more  mournful  sound,  as  the  women  shrieked 
over  the  grave  of  the  departed  sachem.  We  were  becom- 
ing every  hour  more  numerous,  and  had  formed  ourselves  into 
a  bund  of  defence  in  case  of  any  murderous  attack  from  the 
Mohawks,  should  they  prove  victorious.  Their  blood  up,  any 
scalp  would  become  valuable.  We  chose  Du  Bois  as  our  cap- 
tain^ and  were  drilling  under  his  command,  while  we  wero 


*  Ussarnan — tobacco. 


398  THE   DUTCH   DO3IINIE. 

marking  the  movements  of  both  parties  below  on  the  two 
islands. 

"  All  night  the  spies  of  both  sides  were  busy  around.  Fear- 
lessly did  they  venture  within  the  rival  camps  ;  crawling  like 
snakes  along  the  ground,  after  rising  on  the  banks  as  otters 
lift  their  backs,  letting  the  water  drip  from  their  sides ; 
when,  after  having  obtained  all  they  wanted,  creeping 
back,  they  would  dash  into  the  stream  with  as  loud  a 
plunge  as  they  could  make,  giving  a  laugh  of  triumph  as 
they  swam  into  the  current ;  or  of  contempt,  at  the  negli- 
gence of  their  foes.  One  of  these  daring  devils  was  caught 
on  the  shallows,  and  though  he  fought  like  a  panther,  now 
holding  on  as  with  a  grip  of  steel,  and  then  slipping  out  of 
their  hands  as  an  eel  escapes,  he  was  finally  conquered,  and 
condemned  upon  the  spot  to  a  cruel  death.  By  some  mutual 
sign  of  their  own,  the  Mohawks  were  made  aware  of  the  fate 
of  their  brave  spy ;  for,  standing  abreast  on  the  banks  of 
their  own  island,  they  saw  the  fire  kindling  that  was  intended 
for  his  torture.  It  was  on  a  little  knoll  upon  the  verge  of  the 
creek,  which  could  be  seen  from  all  the  camps:  from  Castil- 
berg,  Hau-pee-naus,  Wantona,  Ussaman,  and  our  hill  we  saw 
the  tragedy,  and  heard  the  shouts  of  cruel  victory  that  rang 
around  us  from  the  Mohicans  ;  while  the  companions  of  the 
wretched  victim  sang  his  death  song  aloud  and  clear,  so  that 
his  spirit  entered  the  halls  of  his  fathers  by  the  music  that  he 
had  loved  best  all  his  life. 

"  This  last  occurrence  inspirited  the  followers  of  &  ewabina 
so  highly,  that  he  resolved  to  attack  the  Mohawks  instead  of 
waiting  for  Hendrick  on  the  next  day.  He  kept  his  counsel 
to  himself  till  the  last  moment,  confiding  only  in  his  pale- 
faced  friend  Du  Bois,  who  endeavored  to  dissuade  him  from 
it  by  every  argument  he  could  bring. 

"  The  attack  was  what  Hendrick  anticipated.  He  kept  his 
tires  burning,  tied  his  blankets  to  the  trees,  spreading  them 
so  as  to  surround  his  camp,  making  the  whole  outside  to 
have  the  appearance  of  a  secure  and  comfortable  sleeping 
ground.  He  seemed  careless  ;  letting  the  spies  of  his  enemy 
come  as  near  as  they  pleased,  so  that  they  might  bear  a\v;:y 
reports  of  the  state  of  things  as  they  appeared  from  the  out- 
side. Newabina  made  a  voyage  himself  to  the  islands,  so  as 
to  make  all  sure,  and  came  back  satisfied  that  the  Mohawks 
had  gone  to  sleep. 

"  We  all  stood  upon  the  hill,  ignorant  of  what  was  to  hap- 
pen  next;  only  that  we  were  warned  by  i)u  Bois  against  uis- 


THE   LAST   INDIAN   BATTLE   ON   THE   HUDSON.  399 

banding  for  the  night.  We  were  all  hunters,  and  ready  to 
fight  for  our  hearthstones,  with  as  good  heart  as  we  ever 
hunted  a  hungry  wolf.  Quietly  we  sat  on  the  hill,  saying 
little.  The  peddler  in  our  midst  talking  as  if  he  did  all  the 
work.  He  dilated  on  the  causes  and  the  consequence  of  this 
battle,  with  the  same  assurance  as  he  would  have  discussed  a 
yard  of  serge. 

"  '  These  Mohawks  are  a  wicked  set,  and  will  just  do  what- 
ever Colonel  Johnson  tells  them  to.  If  he  has  bid  them  kill 
off  the  white  folks  here,  be  sure  of  their  doing  it.' 

4  Why  should  Colonel  Jansen  do  dat  ting  ?'  said  one  old  far- 
mer of  more  benevolence  than  knowledge  of  the  world. 

"  '  Just  that  he  may  rule  the  colonies,'  was  the  peddler's 
answer,  '  and  Parson  Wheelock  says  that  all  men  should  make 
laws  for  themselves.  That  kings  were  made  for  the  people,  and 
not  the  people  for  the  kings.  That's  no  treason.  Johnson 
is  the  critter  of  King  George,  and  Hendrick  is  the  critter  of 
Johnson.' 

" '  Ende  vay  is  de  Mohican  de  creature  of?'  said  the  old 
Boerman. 

"  '  Why,'  said  the  peddler,  '  everybody  in  Connecticut 
knows  that  the  old  Sachem  was  on  the  side  of  the  people, 
and  we  expect  that  the  young  capt'n  will  cast  his  braves  into 
the  scales  against  the  crew  that  want  to  rule  the  colonies. 
What  do  you  say  to  that,  Mister  Du  Bois  ?' 

"  The  person  addressed  had  disappeared  from  our  com- 
pany, and  was  in  close  counsel  with  Newabina.  '  Hendrick 
has  one  eye  open.  He  sees  the  otter  in  the  rivers.  The 
muskrat  will  dart  upon  him  in  the  dark,'  was  the  warning  of 
the  Dutchman. 

"  '  The  Elk  is  afraid  of  the  water  after  the  sun  is  down,' 
said  the  Indian  to  his  careful  counsellor,  with  some  bitterneso 
in  his  speech,  and  as  if  reproachfully. 

"  Du  Bois  felt  hurt,  and  replied,  '  I  have  no  fear  of  doing 
what  I  promised ;  but  the  pale-face  has  bis  eyes  without 
blood,  and  can  see  clear.  Can  the  brave  chief  see  now  ?»  and 
with  that  he  threw  a  bandana  silk  handkerchief  over  the  red 
man's  face.  Taking  it  oft',  he  said,  '  we  will  meet  on  the 
island  :is  I  said.'  f 

"  This  referred  to  a  diversion  which  somijef  the  boldest 
of  us  intended  to  make  in  behalf  of  their  neighbors,  the  Mo- 
hicans, at  the  upper  end  of  the  island,  when  the  fight  would 
be  at  the  hottest,  just  sufficient  to  alarm  the  Mohawks,  ;mJ 
oive  their  enemies  a  better  chance.  '  I  Lave  s-jcn,"  s:. 


400  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

captain  to  us,  '  that  a  sudden  start  was  better  than  a  delib- 
erate volley.' 

"  Hendrick  did  sleep  with  one  eye  open,  for  he  knew  all  that 
*'as  going  on.  His  spies  were  intelligent  and  penetrated  the 
design  of  their  enemy  in  time  to  warn  him  of  their  approach. 
Crawling  out  of  his  camp,  he  and  his  braves  lay  among 
ths  bushes  outside,  scarcely  breathing,  with  their  weapons 
ready.  Newabina  came  on,  quietly  at  every  step,  till  within 
a  few  yards  of  the  place,  when  they  rushed,  yelling  their 
war  whoop,  striking  through  the  screen  upon  the  ground 
where  they  supposed  the  Mohawks  lay.  Not  a  sound  met 
their  ear,  but  a  silence  which  stunned  them  more  than  if  a 
thousand  voices  had  responded,  since  they  expected  such 
a  meeting.  As  with  one  consent  they  ceased  themselves, 
looking  round  for  an  enemy,  when  all  at  once  the  hidden 
foes  started  up,  firing  and  hurling  their  weapons  so  truly 
from  the  dark  where  they  stood,  upon  those  within  the  fence, 
whose  faces  were  plainly  seen  in  the  light  that  blazed ;  so 
that  every  shot  and  stroke  told  fearfully,  bringing  down  a 
Mohican. 

"  Hendrick  saw  that  now  was  his  time,  and  springing  from 
his  hiding-place,  he  hurled  his  heavy  weapon  of  war  in  the  direc- 
tion of  his  foe,  so  that  it  sank  into  his  left  shoulder.  A  mo- 
ment more  and  the  Mohican  confronted  him.  The  tomahawk 
of  Newabina  whizzed  through  the  air,  but  it  was  a  random 
blow,  and  missed  its  aim.  His  eyes  were  filled  with  the 
light  of  the  fire,  and  could  not  discern  objects  in  the  dark 
around  them.  It  was  the  same  with  the  whole  of  that  devoted 
band.  They  were  shot  down  like  deer,  that  come  to  the 
waters  in  the  night.  When  they  came  out  they  could  not  see 
where  to  run. 

"  The  two  chiefs  stood  facing  each  other.  The  Mohawk  had 
a  sound  body  but  it  was  old  and  stiff.  The  Mohican  had  the 
advantage  in  years,  but  now  he  was  disabled,  so  that  they 
might  be  called  equal.  They  measured  each  other  with  the 
look  of  fierce  revenge.  Knife  in  hand,  they  were  about  rush 
ing  at  one  another,  when  the  party  under  Du  Bois  landed, 
causing  great  alarm  to  the  Mohawks,  who  were  wholly  in  the' 
dark  concerning  the  new  enemies,  their  numbers,  or  their 
plans;  only  they  felt  certain  it  could  be  no  friends  of  theirs. 
We  had  no  other  wish  but  to  prevent  further  effusion  of 
blood,  and  had  loaded  with  blank  cartridge ;  but  our  volley 
told  sufficiently  to  produce  the  greatest  confusion.  The  pre- 
serving of  their  boats  was  their  first  care ;  and  these  little 


THE   LAST  INDIAN   BATTLE   ON   THE   HUDSON.  401 

Abraham  immediately  put  out  into  the  river,  where  he  waited 
tor  the  fugitives,  who,  leaping  in  their  terror  into  the  water, 
swam  tpward  the  fleet,  upsetting  some  of  the  canoes  in  their 
haste.  By  this  time  the  Mohicans  were  recovering  from  their 
fright,  having  discovered  their  new  strength,  and  were  return- 
ing in  great  force  and  spirit,  when  there  was  no  foe  to  en- 
counter. One  after  another  of  the  Mohawks  had  retreat <M! 
through  the  bushes,  and  all  being  awrare  of  the  place  where 
their  fleet  was  moored,  had  run  in  that  direction.  Some  of 
them,  however,  missed  their  way,  swimming  to  the  different 
shores,  and  either  made  their  escape  by  running  homeward 
or  hid  in  the  brakes,  till  they  found  a  chance.  One  poor 
wretch  was  taken  a  few  miles  on  his  way,  and  brought  back 
to  suffer  all  the  cruelty  which  a  red  man  can  inflict  so  skill- 
fully. Though  I  saw  it,  I  have  no  wish  to  describe  it.  An 
uidian  is  a  fiend  when  he  becomes  an  enemy. 

"  Hendrick,  taken  equally  with  surprise,  hesitated  to  venture 
upon  Newabina  sufficiently  long  to  allow  his  foe  to  spring 
forward  on  him,  but  he  met  his  match  in  that  large  and 
strong  wrarrior.  They  clasped  one  another  so  firmly  that 
their  weapons  were  harmless.  Rolling  over  one  another  it 
was  difficult  to  guess  winch  would  have  proved  victorious. 
One  that  knew  them  both,  would  have  decided  for  the  Mo- 
hican, but  since  his  wound  he  had  lost  blood,  and  was 
becoming  all  the  time  weaker.  One  turn  more  in  this  state 
and  his  right  arm  fell  helpless  by  his  side.  His  time  h:i<l 
seemingly  come,  for  his  enemy  was  above  him.  The  knii'e 
was  at  his  neck,  when  Du  Bois  sprang  forward  and  arrested 
the  hnnd.  Hendrick  rose  to  his  feet  as  if  to  meet  a  new  foe, 
when  Drake,  with  a  comical  air,  called  out,  "  i  arrest  you  iu 
the  name  of  King  George  for  disturbing  the  peace  of  this 
Province."  The  Mohawk  scowled  one  of  his  black  frowns  ; 
and  seeing  Newabina  helpless,  he  turned  and  toolc  to  the 
canoe  that  waited  for  him,  and  left  the  field,  in  Avhich  he 
had  gained  few  laurels,  though  he  had  succeeded  in  render- 
ing his  way  to  the  kingship  certain  to  himself  and  to  his 
successors. 

"  The  young  king  of  the  rivers  was  buried  in  the  same  robe 
in  which  his  father  had  arrayed  him.  They  took  nothing 
off  from  him.  He  reigned  but  a  single  day;  and  that  was 
the  last  of  that  noble  race  who  wore  a  crown." 

The  Elder  Abiel  having  finished  his  narrative,  turned  to 
see  the  preparations  for  the  hunting  of  the  fugitives,  :n.d 
perceived  that  all  was  ready.  A  small  party  Here  to  remain 


402  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

keeping  sentry  over  the  prisoners  already  collected,  himself 
with  the  rest.  He  sighed  as  he  gazed  back  upon  the  plain 
below. 

Brandt,  well  pleased  with  the  history  given  of  his  ancestor, 
smiled  as  he  said : 

"  Big  Boerman's  tongue  straight  as  a  hawk's  bill :  goes  to 
many  sides,  but  picks  the  real  bird  from  the  branch  it  was 
pointed  to  at  the  first." 

Clifford  saw  that  the  Mohawk  aimed  at  the  islands  and 
would  continue  in  sight  of  them  while  he  had  hope  of  gain- 
ing a  footing  there.  He  felt  satisfied  with  his  little  plot  of 
having  the  history  of  Hendrick  told  over  by  a  white  man. 
The  pride  of  Brandt  was  excited,  and  so  Avas  that  of  all  the 
Mohawks  present.  At  any  moment  they  would  have 
descended  at  once,  sparing  none  in  their  effort  at  maintain- 
ing the  name  and  the  fame  of  their  nation.  Their  chief 
brought  the  whole  band  around  him,  making  one  of  those 
nervous  speeches  to  them,  pointing  down  to  the  river,  which 
at  the  close  was  followed  by  a  war  song  and  a  dance  that 
made  the  blood  of  even  the  tamest  white  man  there  tingle 
with  emotion.  A  word  of  Brandt's,  and  death  to  all. 

The  band  of  men  formed  round  into  a  solid  circle,  hav- 
ing the  chief  in  the  centre,  then  untwined  itself  by  two 
threads  that  went  off  at  almost  opposite  points,  turning 
gradually  westward. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A    HUMAN   WHIKLPOO  L. 

"  Het  beest,  dat  gij  gazien  hebt,  was  en  is  neit ;  en  het  zal  opkomen  uit  den  afground 
sn  ten  verderve  gaan." — OPENBARING. 

Translated  thus  from  the  Dutch : 

"  The  beast  that  them  sawest  was,  and  is  not ;  and  shall  ascend  out  of  the  bottomlest  pit 
Mid  go  into  perdition." — REVELATION. 

TETTNIS  rose  that  morning,  and  without  bidding  any  one 
good  bye  went  directly  in  search  of  Clarence  Clinton,  whom 
he  left  to  sleep  in  the  bear's  den.  Surprised  and  alarmed  at 
finding  the  cave  empty,  lie  made  the  best  of  his  way  to  th-i 
point  of  meeting  widi  the  other  two  youi,g  men  at  tl< 


A   HUMAN    WHIRLPOOL.  403 

Kaaterskill  Falls.  His  knowledge  of  the  route  soon  brought 
him  to  the  place  of  rendezvous,  but  he  saw  nothing  of  them. 
When  he  arrived  at  the  falls  where  he  had  left  Bertram  and 
Gabriel,  he  had  lost  ah1  hope  of  finding  Clarence.  Bertram 
was  clear  for  going  at  once  and  claiming  the  protection 
of  Brandt,  and  to  this  Teunis  was  acceding,  when  Gabriel, 
more  cool  by  nature,  and  less  interested  in  feeling,  threw  in 
objections  which  caused  the  other  two  to  hesitate.  As  cap- 
lain,  elected  by  themselves,  he  had  the  right  to  command,  and 
he  was  worthy  of  the  place. 

"You  cannot,"  he  said,  "think  calmly  on  this  subject. 
Were  Peggy  Troumpier  where  any  of  your  joes  is,  my  mind 
would  not  be  in  a  fit  state  for  planning,  whatever  it  might 
be  for  fighting  in  the  right  time." 

Bertram  as  well  as  Gabriel,  had  been  putting  on  their 
Indian  garments,  found  by  them  when  they  wakened  that 
morning.  Some  friend  was  watching  over  them  in  the  dark, 
and  this  gave  them  all  three  new  courage.  Beside  the  tree 
where  these  were  laid,  lay  a  paper  containing  something 
which  Bertram  soon  discovered  to  be  in  Latin,  but  which  he 
would  have  preferred  much  more  if  it  had  been  in  common 
English. 

"This  fairy,  or  brownie,  as  the  Scotch  would  call  their  good 
friends,  surely  thought  we  must  have  dictionaries  on  trees 
when  he  left  this  for  us.  Here  it  is :  '  Media  autem  dtc 
clamor  factus  est :  Ecce  sponsus  venit:'  exile  in  occur&em 
ejus.'  'And  at  midday  there  was  a  cry  made,  behold  tha 
bridegroom  cometh  :  go  ye  forth  to  meet  him.' " 

"  Is  that  a  correct  translation,  you  Bible-reading  men  ?" 
said  Gabriel. 

"  All  but  one  word,  I  should  think,"  said  Teunis,  who  per- 
ceived the  meaning  of  all  this;  guessing  from  what  he  saw 
through  the  night  where  these  things  came  from.  "You 
have  put  the  word  midday  in  for  midnight" 

"Let  me  see,"  said  the  lieutenant :" it  is  midday  here 
underlined,  and  is  intended  to  be  so.  Let  us  note  tins.  Let 
noon  be  our  countersign  and  look  out  for  the  midday. 

After  hearing  a  full  report  from  Teunis,  they  made  up 
their  minds  to  remain  at  the  place  where  they  were,  as  the  most 
likely  to  serve  their  purpose.  If  the  marauders  succeeded  iu 
recapturing  Margaret,  they  would  bring  thoir  victim  here,  as 
the  first  place  of  gathering  ;  so  the  three  took  position.-;  where 
they  would  see,  and  be  themselves  hidden.  The  solitude,  to 
minds  like  theirs  under  the  most  painful  suspt  n.se>  was  as 


401-  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

much  as  they  could  bear.  The  ever  running  water  below, 
and  the  constant  fall  from  above,  affecting  the  two  senses, 
hearing  and  sight,  with  the  same  monotonous  din ;  and  the 
same  succession  of  airy  spirits  coming  constantly  through  the 
narrow  passage,  and  then  leaping  over  into  the  cloud  formed 
by  their  predecessors,  produced  a  strange  loneliness  in  their 
watching.  And  yet  as  no  man  feels  himself  alone  if  a  child 
be  playing  around  him,  so  these  men  when  they  saw  that 
playful  stream  tripping  down  to  the  brink  and  then  step- 
ping off  with  ease,  felt  that  they  had  communion  with  the  spirit 
of  the  region.  Thrown  back  into  the  recesses  of  their  own 
nature,  they  fell  into  that  dreamy  reverie  which  the  soul  of 
the  thoughtful  loves  to  cherish  at  times,  and  with  profit. 

"  This  is  more  than  I  bargained  for,"  was  the  expression 
of  Bertram,  "  when  I  left  in  the  good  ship  Vulture.  I  ex- 
pected to  see  a  wild  country  along  the  shores  of  the  river, 
but  not  to  see  nature  in  her  wildest  dress.  I  wonder  if  that 
Elsie,  whom  you  describe  as  possessed  of  such  good  sense, 
Mr.  Teunis,  would  have  romance  enough  in  her  soul  to  take 
Miss  Clinton  to  see  this  precious  gem  -of  these  mountajas." 

"Miss  Clinton,"  said  Gabriel,  "  by  the  time  she  got  tliis 
length,  would  have  something  else  to*  think  of.  If  she  be  a 
woman  like  the  rest  of  them,  stream;*  of  water  fell  over  her 
cheeks." 

"  You  are  likely  speaking  the  truth,  <so  far  my  captain,  but 
there  are  some  souls  which  never  !<>se  their  sense  of  the 
beautiful  and  the  grand,  and  Margaret  Clinton  is  one  of  that 
kind:  were  ehe  on  the  way  to  eternal  exile,  that  silvery  gos- 
samer would,  at  least  for  a  moment,  relieve  her  painful  feel- 
ings." 

"  Maybe,"  said  the  plain  matter  of  fact  Gabriel.  "  First 
impressions  are  always  the  most  effective,  and  I  own  that 
my  lady  Margaret  is  the  very  one  to  see  wonders,  where  I 
would  not  see  aught  but  common  things.  I  have  been  here 
when  I  felt  the  influence  of  the  scene  more  than  at  present." 
"  Still,  captain,  you  cannot  help  admiring  the  grandeur  of 
the  whole  amphitheatre,  as  your  eye  ranges  round  in  search  of 
some  single  object  on  which  to  rest  till  you  fix  it  en  that  watery 
spirit  which  springs  from  the  shelving  platform  into  the  capa- 
cious hall  beneath.  Indeed,  when  I  look  again,  I  can  imagine 
bu  many  winged  spirits  sent  forth  from  the  Father  of  Spirits, 
meeting  again  below,  as  in  airy  sport ;  first  in  that  tlwk  zx>;s- 
terious  gulf,  from  which  they  recoil  as  from  a  phu^e  of  n^- 
to  rise  where  the  sunbeams  light  '.tvo-v  I'l.'.i-s 


A   HUMAN    WHIRLPOOL.  405 

forming  the  whole  into  a  glorious  crown  fit  for  the  heads  of 
seraphim." 

"  You  forget  the  possibility  of  Miss  Clinton  being  hidden 
in  that  place  down  there,  which 'you  would  compare  to  the 
mouth  of  the  pit." 

"I  have  imagined  that  to  be  possible,"  said  Bertram, 
"  and  I  am  sailor  enough  to  descend  into  the  hold,  or  into 
the  sea  itself,  for  pearls  such  as  she." 

"  That  language  is  too  deep,  and  too  high  for  a  common 
Dutchman  like  your  captain.  Perhaps  Teunis,  who  I  see  i.s 
in  a  brown  study,  may  answer  you  according  to  that  kind  of 
fully  ;  but  I  will  tell  you  what  I  once  saw  here.  It  was  in 
the  winter.  A  fine  hunting  morning,  the  snow  all  crusted 
over,  so  that  it  could  bear  man  or  beast.  A  little  flurry  had 
fallen  during  the  night ;  just  enough  for  the  fox  to  leave  his 
mark  behind  him.  We  had  a  hard  run,  but  we  earthed  him, 
near  the  foot  of  the  hill  over  there.  As  the  work  for  that 
day  was  over,  and  we  were  on  the  lookout  for  anything  in 
which  we  might  pass  the  time,  we  followed  the  advice  of  old 
Frederick  Saxe,  the  bear-hunter,  and  went  down  to  see  the 
falls  frozen.  Tin's  produced  much  sport  with  the  young 
folks,  who  were  inclined  to  poke  fun  at  the  old  hunter.  But 
knowing  him  to  be  a  man  of  original  expressions,  I  led  the 
way  that  we  might  see  a  wonder.  We  came  up  from  that 
deep  gully  below  there,  and  arrived  suddenly  upon  the  sight 
of  an  object  before  which  we  all  stood  for  a  few  minutes 
speechless,  quite  at  a  loss  to  understand  its  nature.  They  had 
all  but  myself  been  here  before,  and  exclaimed,  '  what  is  that  ? 
It  has  grown  since  I  was  here  in  the  summer.'  It  was  a  high 
tower  reaching  from  the  bottom,  up  to  the  tip  of  that  rock 
you  see  jutting  out  there,  pure  white,  intermingled  with  glit- 
tering crystals.  The  stillness  of  the  grave  was  around  us. 
Some  one  whispered  in  my  ear,  '  the  year  is  dead  and  that  is 
its  monument,  raised  by  the  frost  king.'  Imagine  just  now 
that  not  a  sound  is  reaching  your  ear — all  that  din  stopped, 
and  the  murmuring  altogether  lulled,  so  that  you  could  hear 
the  beating  of  your  own  heart  against  your  ribs." 

"  You  don't  mean  to  say,"  was  Bertram's  interested  inter 
ruption,  "  that  the  stream  was  all  gone  ?  That  might  be  in  the 
summer,  but  the  winter's  freezing  does  not  dry  up  the  wh-Me." 

"  No,r  continued  the  other,  "the  water  ran  as  bi'f'« >!••>, 
up  there;  but  was  neither  seen,  nor  heard  after  it  left  the 
ledge." 

'»  That's  a  very  droll  story  you  tell,  Mr.  Captain,  and  may  Ix; 


4-06  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

good  enough  for  the  marines ;  but  an  old  salt  as  I  sm,  has 
spun  too  many  yarns  to  believe  that  the  water  would  not 
fall  in  the  winter  as  it  this  moment,  making  din  enough  to 
deafen  the  old,  or  young  bear-hunter." , 

"  Wait  till  you  hear  the  whole.  Suppose  that  from  the 
place  we  are  now  sitting,  over  to  the  other  side  of  that 
amphitheatre,  as  you  call  it,  a  round  thick  tower  were  built  of 
glass,  hollow  in  the  centre,  rising  up  and  up,  till  it  came  to 
that  shelf  from  which  the  water  now  runs ;  where  would 
the  drops  go  ?" 

"  Why  through  the  glass  tower  of  course,"  was  Bertram's 
quick  expression  ;  "  but  what  has  your  comparison  to  do  with 
your  description  ?" 

"Everything,  Mr.  Lieutenant,  for  there  would  be  no  mur- 
muring sound  of  water  as  there  is  now  ;  nor  thundering  roar 
as  1  have  heard  after  a  heavy  storm,  when  that  stream,  so 
small,  and  so  tame,  sprung  like  an  angry  beast  till  it  cleared 
the  whole  platform,  and  fell  into  the  outer  basin  yonder,  two 
hundred  and  twenty  feet." 

"  Yes,  captain,  but  your  enthusiasm  has  made  you  forget 
your  glass  tower,  which,  as  you  describe,  must  have  been  a 
large  bottle,  bottomless ;  taking  in  the  whole  stream  at  the 
neck,  and  letting  it  run  down  its  sides,  so  that  it  passed 
through  below." 

"Just  so,  and  better  told  than  I  could  tell  it.  It  was  full 
eighty  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  and  one  hundred  and 
eighty  feet  high,  pure  as  snow,  till  it  rose  to  the  neck,  when 
it  became  clear  as  rock  crystal  with  the  whole  stream 
entering,  and  passing  through  it,  plainly  to  the  observer." 

"  Certainly,  that  was  a  wonderful  object,  and  oqual  to  any 
of  the  peaks  of  frost  that  I  have  ever  seen  or  heard  of.  Does 
it  rise  so  every  winter  ?" 

"  Xo,  sir ;  old  Fred  said  that  he  had  hunted  among  the 
hills  forty  years,  and  had  seen  it  only  complete  once  before. 
A  half  bottle  may  be  frequently  seen,  like  what  comes  after 
a  drunken  frolic,  but  the  perfect  full-blown  vessel,  out  of 
nature's  glass-house,  comes  but  once  in  a  lifetime." 

"  I  hope  you  had  something  warm  to  drink,  captain,  for 
cold  water  coming  through  a  bottle  of  frost,  may  be  good  in 
a  hot  summer  day,  but  in  the  months  of  February  and 
March,  it  is  another  thing." 

"  We  had  plenty  of  the  hot  stuff,  sir ;  and  it  was  dearly 
paid  for  too,  with  broken  heads  and  bones  nearly  cracked 
A  little  more  and  I  would  not  be  here  to  tell  the  tale." 


A   HUMAN   WHIRLPOOL.  407 

•*  Let  us  hear  that  yarn  with  the  rest,  for  after  what  you 
have  told,  I  am  ready  to  believe  anything." 

"  As  you  please,"  said  Gabriel,  with  perfect  nonchalance. 
"  After  we  had  freely  drank  of  Santa  Cruz  rum,  our  brains 
began  to  swim,  and  some  of  us  did  not  know  whether  we 
stood  upon  our  heads  or  our  heels.  I  was  ready  for  anything, 
either  to  scale  the  tower  from  below,  or  slide  down  from 
above.  They  laughed  at  me  till  my  pride  was  touched,  and 
through  recklessness  I  began  to  climb.  The  rough  sides  of 
the  gigantic  thing  allowed  me  a  footing,  so  that  I  did  get 
upon  one  of  the  turrets,  twenty  feet  from  the  ground,  where 
I  stood  looking  round  me.  The  sight  had  not  lost  anything 
from  my  strange  position.  All  round  under  these  rocks 
were  huge  pillars  of  ice,  formed  by  the  water  which  had 
searched  through  between  the  seams." 

"  I  have  seen  the  like,"  interrupted  Bertram,  "  in  salt  mines, 
and  in  deep  caverns,  where  statlagmites,  built  in  the  course 
of  ages,  rise  to  the  high  roofs,  as  if  chiselled  by  the  hand  of 
art.  Go  on,  captain,  I  beg  pardon." 

"No,  sir,  thank  you,  I  wanted  just  such  a  description  to 
elp  me  through.  At  the  time  I  stood  there,  it  appeared 
•  .ore  like  a  crystal  theatre  of  display,  and  I  have  since  fre- 
quently wished  that  lights  of  a  sufficient  size  and  number, 
jould  have  been  introduced  for  the  sake  of  showing  the  ell'ect 
of  illumination  in  such  a  place." 

"Oh,  you  must  read  when  you  can,"  said  Bertram,  who 
could  not  restrain  his  speech  to  the  end  of  the  description, 
"  the  account  of  the  Empress  of  Russia's  ice  palace.  You 
will  see  that  the  thing  you  wish  has  been  tried  with  full  suc- 
cess, lately,  and  after  you  have  got  through  with  that,  turn 
to  the  '  Arabian  Nights,'  and  you  will  see  the  power  of  Alad- 
din's lamp." 

"  Well,  sir,  there  I  stood  on  the  turret,  admiring  my  own 
daring  as  much  as  the  wonders  around  me,  when  Jim  Crap- 
sar,  that  imp  of  Satan,  thoughtlessly  cried  out,  *  Three 
cheers  for  Gabe.'  The  three  cheers  were  never  given;  one 
was  enough.  Such  a  commotion  has  never  been  listened  to 
by  me,  though  I  have  been  where  a  few  cannons  were  let  off 
at  my  ear,  as  you  know.  It  seemed  as  if  that  single  c 
would  never  stop.  Crack,  crack,  crack,  went  off  the  pil- 
lars, all  round  falling  in  pieces  as  big  as  a  cannon,  and  others 
like  the  trunk  of  a  tree;  as  to  the  small  lumps  tm-y 
were  like  a  shower  of  grape-shot,  mixed  with  forty  point- 
ers. It  sounded  and  appeared  more  like  the  last  day  \\\M 


408  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

any  battle  I  have  been  in.  A  company  of  more  terrified 
beings  I  have  never  looked  at  in  actual  danger,  with  no  way 
of  retreat.  It  was  begun  in  sport,  but  it  closed  in  real  earn- 
est. As  for  myself  I  was  really  in  the  safest  place,  being  in 
the  centre  looking  on  the  shower,  and  its  consequences. 
But  to  this  day,  I  feel  the  shaking  of  that  mass  beneath 
me.  If  the  three  cheers  had  been  given,  down  the  whole 
fabric  would  have  come,  and  I,  below  the  fragments,  would 
have  been  crushed." 

"  That  indeed  would  have  been  a  tale  worth  telling  at  a 
hunter's  fireside  for  ever  after.  Buried  in  an  avalanche,  and 
swept  away  by  the  stream,  when  the  spring  floods  oarae. 
Not  quite  equal  to  the  Alpine  traveller  who  is  lying  now, 
in  just  such  a  glen  as  this  ;  nor  will  he  be  found  till  the  last 
great  fire  thaws  him  out.  Anything  more,  Gabriel,  about , 
that  wonderful  bottle  ?  one  glass  more,  if  you  please." 

"  We  left  in  double  quick  time,  for  a  look  at  the  bottle 
from  above.  It  lost  nothing  in  eifect,  but  it  was  of  another 
character.  I  have  looked  up  and  down  since,  but  mostly 
when  the  sun  shone  bright  in  June.  The  d;iy  I  refer  to  in 
winter  showed  the  different  colors  of  the  rainbow  reflected. 
It  was  in  reality,  a  frozen  rainbow." 

"  Ha !  better  than  before,  captain  !  Do  you  not  see  one 
now  giving  us  the  promise  of  a  fortunate  day  ?" 

"  When  the  sun  shines  out  that  wrill  follow  of  course,  and 
you  may  go  there  to  that  step,  and  have  it  round  your  head 
if  you  choose  such  an  ornament.  There  are  more  wonders 
here  amidst  the  Kaatsbergs,  than  the  king  knows  of." 

"  True,  Captain  Gabriel,  the  king  has  not  a  bottle  in  all 
his  cellar  like  that  which  you  held  in  your  arms  ;  and  that  is 
one  reason  why  his  majesty  wishes  to  keep  this  fine  country 
of  yours  among  his  other  treasures." 

Teunis,  somewhat  piqued  at  the  merriment  of  the  young 
Englishman,  turned  to  him,  saying :  "  The  half  of  the  won 
ders  of  this  spot  has  not  been  told  you.  Come  here  in  the 
heat  of  summer,  and  after  a  fall  of  rain,  you  will,  if  you  look 
up  from  below,  see  an  entire  rainbow — a  complete  circle  ; 
and  though  you  laugh,  I  will  tell  it,  that  I  have  seen  my  face 
as  distinctly  in  the  centre,  as  I  have  ever  seen  it  in  the  round 
looking-glass  that  Madam  Dyce  has  in  her  biggest  west, 
room.  What  do  you  say  to  that,  sir  ?" 

"  I  say  his  majesty  has  not  such  a  mirror  in  Windsor 
Castle,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  he  has  it  anywhere  in  his  domi- 
nions, but  hero.  I  do  not  question  what  you  say,  you  l>avu 


A    HUMAN    WHIRLPOOL.  409 

seen ;  but  I  would  require  Sir  Isaac  Newton  to  explain  the 
philosophy  of  it ;  and  yet,  when  I  remember  the  camera  ob- 
scuro,  I  dare  not  doubt,  though  I  must  laugh  a  little  at  both 
you  colonists,  holding  up  the  beauties  of  your  country." 

"  Well,  laugh  away,  but  I  have  stood  hours  looking  up 
into  that  wonderful  glass,  where  sometimes  I  would  see  a 
single  face,  sometimes  one  other;  then  as  the  sun  would 
shine  out  differently  through  clouds,  there  would  be  faces  all 
around  the  circle,  changing  their  position  every  moment 
like  a  mystic  wheel  revolving,  till  the  head  below  grew  so 
dizzy,  that  I  have  believed  them  ^  to  be  faces  looking  down 
upon  me  from  the  upper  world,  only  they  were  not  always 
of  the  most  pleasant  kind.' 

"  Ah,  this  is  the  spot,"  said  Gabriel,  "  I  have  heard  of 
when  I  was  a  lad,  where  they  went  to  speak  to  the  vapory 
spook,  and  get  their  fortunes  told ;  I  wish  I  had  come  before 
now." 

"  Gabriel,"  continued  Teunis,  "  this  is  no  laughing  matter ; 
I  have  known  some  who  laughed  after  they  came  on  the 
wrong  side  of  their  face." 

"  Hush  !  hush  !  low  down,"  said  Teunis,  as  he  prostrated 
himself  to  the  ground,  "  there  are  runners  afoot,  I  hear  their 
voices  calling  to  one  another  in  the  woods,  and  around  us." 

The  three  young  men  fell  to  the  earth  with  their  heads 
toward  the  gorge  ;  nor  did  they  lie  long  in  that  position  till 
they  discovered  persons  on  the  opposite  side  descending  into 
the  bottom  of  the  gulf.  There  were  several ;  some  of  these 
were  in  the  garb  of  Indians,  others  were  dressed  in  the 
common  woollen  cloth  worn  in  that  region,  dyed  with  the  juice 
of  the  butternut,  resembling  brick-dust,  as  much  as  any- 
thing known  out  of  Jersey.  They  increased  rapidly  in 
numbers  as  the  circle  grew  smaller,  according  to  appoint- 
ment. 

"  Those  persons  in  front  are  not  real  Indians,"  said  Teunis, 
"  I  know  from  their  looking  so  much  before  them,  as  if  they 
•were  curiously  investigating  a  piece  of  art.  I  warrant  the 
real  Mohawk  sees  more  than  they  do,  ont  of  the  side  of  his 
face,  and  from  under  his  eyebrows." 

"  And  I  would  take  those  in  front  to  be  entire  strangers, 
they  look  so  astonished,"  was  the  remark  of  Galu-iel.  "I 
did  not  expect  to  see  any  but  the  real  hunters  up  here." 

All  this  time  Bertram  was  examining  the  different  arrivals 
with  his  pocket  glass,  and  had  the  range  of  the  'party  in 
tro"fc.  Something  in  the  outline  of  one  of  them  awakened  a 


410  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

dormant  feeling  in  bis  soul,  which  made  him  keep  that  figure 
close  in  view,  till  at  last,  he  cried  out,  "  Clarence !  by 
George,  as  I  am  a  Ihing  man!"  and  he  was  about  to  rise 
and  halloo,  when  the  man  on  each  side  of  him  held,  him 
down,  pointing  to  the  numbers  which  were  coming  in  from 
the  same  side  on  which  they  lay  watching. 

"  Take  the  glass  and  see,"  as  he  put  the  instrument  into 
the  hand  of  the  captain. 

A  long,  earnest  gaze,  and  Gabriel  agreed  that  it  resembled 
Clarence  much  in  manner,  but  the  dresses  were  all  so  much 
alike,  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  them  individually. 

"  But  turn  your  attention  to  what  chiefly  concerns  you 
both ;  do  you  see  any  females  among  them  ?  Look  into 
every  knot  of  persons,  and  watch  all  new  comers." 

"  Yes,"  said  Teunis,  "  for  if  there  be  none  with  them,  it  is 
time  we  were  off  to  the  next  rendezvous,  the  pool  that  I  told 
you  of,  and  which  we  must  reach  by  noon.  Behold  at  mid- 
day !" 

"  You  think  that  the  cry  is  to  come  in  that  quarter  then  ?" 
was  the  sly  question  of  Gabriel,  who,  being  less  interested  in 
his  feelings  was  the  more  inclined  to  jest  a  little  with  his 
companions.  "  Let  us  take  matters  coolly  for  the  present, 
and  mark  the  motions  of  the  our  friends  below.  See  how  they 
pour  down  like  so  many  bloodhounds  to  the  death.  Their 
hunt  has  made  them  eager  for  more  prey." 

The  wide  hollow  now  seemed  alive  with  the  crowd.  At 
that  distance  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  the  parties,  they 
were  so  much  alike.  Some  sat  on  the  rocks,  others  hung  on 
the  sides  by  branches  and  roots  of  trees,  while  a  few  of 
the  madcap  race  were  chasing  one  another  under  the  shelving 
platform,  and  attempting  to  climb  up  the  sides  of  the  steep 
rock,  to  the  danger  of  their  necks.  A  main  body  was 
grouped  into  a  circle,  who  stood  as  if  waiting  for  orders. 
Apart  from  these,  and  in  deep  conversation,  were  about  twenty 
individuals,  whom  Gabriel  declared  must  be  the  commanders 
of  the  expedition,  engaged  in  counsel.  He  continued : 

"  What  a  difference  between  that  little  spot  at  this  mo- 
ment, and  what  it  was  when  we  rose  this  morning.  Then 
God  and  nature  reigned,  now  devils  incarnate  are  before 
us." 

"  Yes,"  said  Bertram,  "  could  we  only  see  your  tower  of 
ice  there  in  the  centre,  and  boiling  lava  round  it,  and  these 
fiends  lying  rolling  naked  in  the  pit,  tumbling  fi-om  the  cold 
tower  into  the  hot  furnace,  and  " — 


A    HUMAN    WHIRLPOOL.  411 

"  Please  to  stop,  sir ;  that's  more  than  my  nerves  can  stand  ; 
it  puts  me  in  mind  of  our  Dominie's  description  of  the  bot 
tomless  pit." 

"  Another,  as  great  as  your  great  man  the  Dominie,  has 
helped  me  to  that  description.  While  you  were  telling  me 
of  those  cheerings  which  shook  icicles  on  you  in  showers,  I 
was  reminded  of  how  an  Italian  poet  describes  hell,  where 
*  naked  spirits  lay  down,  or  huddled  sat ;  trying  to  throw 
from  them  the  flakes  of  fire  which  came  like  snow.  The  devils 
called  out  to  other  devils,  thrusting  the  scul  back  into  the 
boiling  pitch ;  and  looking  up,  Dante  saw  them  walking  on  a 
mount  of  ice,  their  teeth  chattering,  and  eyes  locked  up  with 
frozen  tears." 

"  Enough  of  that  horrible  poet's  words.  Down,  down 
lower  with  your  heads ;  we  are  observed,"  was  Gabriel's  quick 
whisper,  which  his  comrades  obeyed  by  a  sudden  prostration 
of  the  face  to  the  turf.  "  Rather  quick  to  be  successful, 
friends.  There  is  a  figure  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  gul£ 
standing  so  erect,  and  so  still  behind  a  tree,  that  I  am  at  a  loss 
to  know  whether  it  be  friend  or  foe.  Tennis,  you  look  now. 
The  objects  round  here  are  all  familiar  to  you." 

Teunis  did  as  he  was  commanded,  when  he  saw  the  form 
and  face  of  the  Hermit,  plainly  gazing  down  into  the  pit, 
with  the  intenseness  of  one  that  watches  from  a  tower,  on  the 
movements  of  an  enemy.  As  he  did  not  turn  his  eye  away 
for  an  instant,  Teunis  whispered. 

"  Lift  your  heads  slowly,  and  look.  The  hunters  are  pre- 
paring for  a  new  start." 

It  was  as  he  said ;  orders  had  been  given  for  mustering. 
The  whole  body  stood  in  two  columns.  At  the  word  of 
command  each  moved  off  at  a  light  angle  from  the  other, 
straight  as  an  arrow,  up  the  opposite  sides  of  the  ravine,  and 
as  the  one  remaining  at  the*  head  of  several  ranks  stood  still, 
till  the  one  who  had  just  left  was  at  least  ten  rods  distant,  it 
took  some  time  before  thtf  last  two  were  gone.  When  thesa 
were  out  of  sight,  the  three  young  men  looked  where  their 
fellow  watcher  had  stood,  but  he  was  gone  also. 

"The  coast  is  clear  now,"  said  Gabriel,  "and  Teunis,  you 
must  be  our  guide.  My  advice  is  to  pass  straight  through  t'hut 
circle,  which  these  hunters  are  making.  It  must  be  three 
hours  before  they  complete  their  search." 

"  Yes,  and  an  hour  more.  Let  us  follow  the  stream  as  the 
Bafest  and  the  nearest,  though  it  be  the  roughest  road  in  tho 
world  ;  and  who  knows  but  we  may  find  the  timid  F:i\vu 


i!2  THK   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

and  her  protector  in  some  of  the  caves  formed  by  the  eddy 
ing  waters." 

They  descended  carefully,  looking  at  every  step  around 
them,  lest  any  spy  might  be  left  behind.  For  well  tney  all 
knew  that  Brandt  was  a  wily  foe,  not  to  be  circumvented  but 
by  superior  wiles. 


CHAPTER 

THE   WINGS    OF    A   CHEEUB. 


:ked  by  th» 
?" 
them  all"— 


THE  hunted  fugitives,  whose  place  of  refuge  was  as  yet  un- 
discovered by  their  enemies,  were  making  the  best  of  their 
condition  under  the  ruling  mind  of  Elsie.  The  barking  of 
Rover,  whose  quick  ear  had  heard  the  growl  of  the  angry 
catamount  a  mile  off,  had  produced  alarm  in  the  minds  of  all 
three  ;  more  especially  as  this  was  followed  by  the  reports  of 
fire-arms  and  the  shouts  of  men  engaged  in  a  combat.  Gra- 
dually as  their  fears  subsided,  they  had  time  and  opportunity 
of  considering  the  peril  and  security  of  their  present  position. 
Elsie  had  reasons  of  her  own  for  remaining  where  they  had 
already  slept  so  soundly ;  and  the  confidence  with  which  she 
expressed  herself  had  the  effect  of  preserving  the  other  two 
from  painful  uneasiness.  Margaret,  whose  experience  of  the 
world  was  more  than  Angelica's,  felt  as  if  Elsie  must  know 
more  of  the  means  of  escape  than  she  expressed.  Possessed 
of  an  elastic  spirit,  she  bounded  up  the  moment  the  smallest 
release  was  given. 

A  trifling  occurrence  in  itself  here  took  place,  which  gave 
variety  and  interest  to  their  solitary  condition.  Rover,  who 
had  suddenly  disappeared  without  leave  of  absence,  was 
heard  by  the  quick  ear  of  Elsie  to  give  one  of  his  pleased  and 
familiar  barks,  which  he  always  gave  to  herself  when  lie  wel- 
comed her  home.  This  would  have  occasioned  no  alarm  ; 
but  for  her  present  circumstances,  when  she  belie  red  that 
that  sly  snake  of  an  Indian,  Shandaagan,  was  in  Jie  hi:h, 


THE    WINGS   OF  A  CI1EKUB.  413 

seeking  after  them,  and  that  Rover  had  always  a  hankering 
fondness  after  the  keen  hunter.  Hushing  her  companions  tc 
silence,  and  pointing  them  to  their  bed  as  the  securest  and 
most  retired  place  of  safety,  she  crawled  oft'  in  the  direction 
from  which  she  was  most  likely  to  perceive  the  cause  of 
alarm.  Her  surprise  was  increased  by  hearing  the  tinkling 
of  a  small  bell  that  she  felt  more  than  distinguished  to  be  one 
familiar  to  her  ear.  A  moment  more,  and  what  was  her 
amazement  to  find  her  own  pet  lamb,  which  had  been  driven 
away  on  the  day  of  the  conflagration  to  the  hills,  and  now 
had  found  his  way  high  up  in  search  of  food.  The  quick  ear  of 
Rover  first  discerned  the  tinkling  of  his  playmate's  music ;  and 
at  the  instant  their  mistress  discovered  them,  they  were  fond- 
ling each  other  in  perfect  animal  rapture.  The  dog,  by  his 
superior  sagacity,  was  manoBuvering  so  that  he  might  bring 
the  lamb  where  he  knew  a  welcome  awaited  him  ;  and  the  in- 
nocent little  fellow  seemed  to  know  that  friends  were  near  : 
for  he  was  following  Rover,  butting  with  his  head,  as  if  impa- 
tient of  his  gambols.  Elsie  stood  up  and  gave  the  usual  sig- 
nal for  Dickey's  meal,  when  he  rushed  to  her  side  with 
meek  confidence,  bleating  his  wishes  and  his  pleasure,  as  she 
stroked  him  with  her  hand,  and  spoke  Dutch  :  "  Arme  Lam- 
meskie,  schoone  Lammeshie" — Poor  lamb,  beautiful  lamb. 

This  new  arrival  was  hailed  with  delight,  and  especially  by 
the  kind-hearted  Angelica,  who  wept  now  when  she  spoke  of 
her  poverty  as  so  great  that  she  was  not  able  to  give  pooi 
Dickey  his  pan  of  milk.  From  that  she  naturally  went  off  in 
a  deep  lamentation  over  the  probable  fate  of  Red  and  IJrin- 
d!e,  and  the  mooly  cow,  wandering  over  the  hills,  with  no 
one  to  milk  them. 

This  trifling  occurrence  served  to  pass  the  day,  giving  em- 
ployment in  part  to  the  good  Angelica,  and  even  diverting  1  lie 
mind  of  Margaret  from  herself;  so  that  before  night  came  on 
she  had  almost  recovered  her  buoyancy  of  spirit  in  the  com- 
munion she  found  with  nature  ;  into  which  she  entered  rap- 
turously, as  every  new  and  fresh  object  rose  before  her. 
Her  education  had  all  tended  to  foster  these  sentiments  with- 
in her,  so  that  her  mind  was  not  untutored  for  any  time,  but 
was  prepared  for  all  circumstances,  and  so  trained,  that  the 
present  scenes  rose  up  before  her  like  dreams  of  t  lie  past  r:ither 
than  like  unfamiliar  pictures  requiring  minute  investigation. 

"I  believe,  Elsie,"  said  the  lofty-minded  girl,  "that  ,  mm,' 
have  lived  here  before  in  some  lime  of  my  previous  existence  , 
for  everything  I  see  is  associated  in  my  mind  \\  ith  some  beaut? 


414  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

ful  tmng  of  the  past.  Elsie,  did  you  ever  think  upon  the  lite 
we  came  from  in  the  past  ?" 

"  No,  no,  my  dear  Miss  Clinton,  I  have  had  enough  to 
think  of  hi  the  present,  and  any  spare  thoughts  are  given  to 
the  life  to  come.  This  is  the  first  time  I  have  ever  heard  of 
a  past  life." 

"  Excuse  my  foolish  talking,  Elsie.  I  have  read  about  it 
in  some  old  book,  and  I  sometimes  dream  of  things  which  I 
may  have  seen.  Your  standing  just  now,  with  your  brown 
October  garments  on,  and  your  hand  holding  the  lamb  by 
his  string,  is  just  as  plain  to  me  as  if  I  had  ween  you  a  hun< 
dred  times  before,  my  shepherdess.  I  am  not  surprised  at 
all,  as  I  would  certainly  be  if  something  of  the  kind  had  not 
happened." 

"  If  that  be  true,  then,"  said  Elsie,  smiling,  "  being  a  queen 
is  no  new  thing  to  you,  for  it  sits  well  upon  you.  It  would 
not  suit  us  girls  in  this  land,  who  are  putting  the  crowns  of 
majesty  alongside  of  witches'  brooms,  and  other  trinkets  of 
the  kind.  Let  it  be  as  you  will.  You  are  queen,  and  I 
am  your  shepherdess,  while  this  play  lasts,  which  I  hope 
will  not  be  long.  We  must  go  soon  to  our  bed.  Let  ua 
gather  all  around,  and  speak  of  the  good  before  we  lie 
down  in  our  nest." 

Night  came  with  more  pleasure  than  it  had  done  for  a 
week  past  with  Margaret.  The  scenes  of  danger  were  be- 
coming common,  and  the  presence  of  Elsie  every  moment 
more  endearing.  So  rapidly  and  earnestly  had  her  thoughts 
grasped  the  circumstances  of  her  own  case,  and  combined 
them  with  those  ot  her  companion,  that  they  seemed  as  if 
linked  in  one  bond  for  life  and  for  death.  She  had  known 
her  a  long  while,  for  all  the  time  they  had  been  together 
they  had  lived  in  every  sensation  of  their  sentient  nature, 
and  in  every  thought  of  their  rational  being.  With  pious 
feelings  and  subdued  affections,  she  lay  down  on  the  humble 
couch  prepared  for  her  by  the  tender-hearted  mother,  who 
saw  the  two  young  maidens  laid  beside  each  other  as  she 
tucked  in  the  warm  coverlets  around  them,  saying,  in  homely 
phrase,  what  Elsie  had  said  to  her : 

"Arme  Lammeshie,  schoone  Lammeshie,  de  genade  zij 
<met  se." 

"  What  is  that  your  good  mother  wishes  for  us  ?  She  is 
always  thinking  of  us  more  than  of  herself.  My  trust  is  so 
strong  when  she  is  near  me,  I  am  confident  her  God  hears 
prayer.?' 


THE   WINGS    OF   A    CHERUB.  415 

"  She  is  calling  us  poor  lambs,  beautiful  lambs,  and  spying 
grace  over  us." 

The  leaves  of  autumn,  dry  and  in  abundance,  formed  their 
soft  bed,  and  sent  forth  a  fragrant  smell.  Rover  nestled  in 
cosily  at  their  feet  on  one  side,  and  Dickey  lay  down  as 
softly  at  the  other.  The  stream  came  down,  murmuring 
melancholy  music  above  them,  and  was  answered  in  the  din 
of  the  waterfall  beneath.  Lulled  to  sleep,  they  lay  in  more 
composure  than  princesses,  who,  after  a  night  of  dissipation, 
have  musical  instruments  of  all  sorts  played  near  their  pil- 
low. Our  damsels,  though  hunted  by  wicked  and  barbarous 
men,  were  not  haunted  by  the  spectres  which  glide  around 
the  pillow  of  the  evil  conscience — never  at  ease,  be  it  on  a 
bed  of  flint  or  a  couch  of  roses. 

Night  passed  without  interruption  of  any  kind.  Pleasant 
dreams  even  flitted  through  the  brain  of  the  hunted  women. 
They  lay  down  under  no  absorbing  sinful  emotions,  and 
were  therefore  more  calm  in  mind  when  sleep  overtook  them. 
In  the  morning,  when  Margaret  awoke  and  found  that  her 
ever  faithful  Elsie  was  not  beside  her,  she  threw  her  arms 
around  as  a  child  does  in  search  of  its  nurse.  So  dependent 
was  she,  that  she  felt  more  like  an  infant  than  the  daughter 
of  a  soldier,  who  had  taught  his  children  the  necessity  of 
self-reliance  upon  all  occasions.  But  these  were  new  scenes 
to  the  English  girl,  and  there  was  not  time  yet,  nor  room 
allowed,  to  give  scope  to  the  real  character  she  possessed. 
Turning  round,  she  saw  there  was  no  one  at  her  side,  so  sit- 
ting up,  she  called : 

"  Elsie,  dear  Elsie,  where  are  you  ?  Come  and  tell  me 
that  all  is  well.  Oh !  what  .shall  become  of  me,  now  that 
my  only  friend  is  gone." 

Angelica  was  also  absent  at  that  moment,  but  soon 
returned,  wringing  her  hands  in  a  transport  of  anxiety  lest, 
something  terrible  had  befallen  her  daughter. 

14  Wat  can  I  do  for  my  dochter.  Martin  gout-,  my  honscn 
burned,  the  cows  ande  sheeps,  ande  niggers,  alle  agone.  A\\ve ! 
awee  !  Elshie,  Elshie,  vere  are  you  dat  you  never  come  once." 

It  was  now  that  the  spirit  of  the  deserted  Margaret  came 
out  in  its  true  energy.  Rousing  herself  up  at  the  sound  of 
distress,  she  forgot  her  own  troubles,  and  wrapping  around 
her  the  blanket  she  had  worn  as  a  mantle  the  previous  day. 
She  bathed  her  glowing  temples  in  the  fresh  running  stream 
as  it  passed  clear  over  the  rock.  When  fully  equipped,  :-\  u 
ran  back  to  the  disconsolate  mother,  saying: 


4:16  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  I  am  going  off  to  look  for  Elsie,  and  I  will  not  return  til! 
I  find  her.  Sit  down  and  watch  till  we  come  back." 

The  astonished  Angelica  was  startled  by  the  ardor  of 
the  delicate  stranger,  and  looking  up  in  her  face,  saw  that 
she  was  sincere  in  her  resolution  ;  but  at  the  same  time  she 
knew  that  the  attempt  must  be  vain,  and  certain  to  result  in 
the  capture  or  death  of  one  so  feeble  and  inexperienced. 

"Nay,  nay,"  said  the  affectionate  mother,  "•  tee  cannot  do 
Any  such  ting  as  dat,  we  shall  go  down  de  clove  road  to- 
geder  and  meet  Elsie  coming  up.  If  she  be  in  de  hands  of 
de  vile  Shandaagan,  we  may  help  her,  tree  of  us  'gainst  von  ; 
but  feeble  ting  dat  tou  be,  vat  can  tee  do  ?" 

"  O  mother,"  said  the  excited  girl,  "  have  you  not  seen 
Low  a  pigeon  will  swell  out  and  speak  boldly  in  its  own  lan- 
guage when  an  enemy  comes  to  its  nest.  Let  us  go." 

As  the  two  feeble  creatures  were  about  to  start,  they 
knew  not  whither,  they  chanced  to  look  over  the  precipice, 
when  far  down  they  saw  two  figures  in  the  bed  of  the 
stream  ;  one  of  them  could  hardly  be  distinguished  as  human, 
only  that  it  stood  erect,  and  was  lifting  up  its  arms  to  the 
very  point  on  which  they  themselves  both  stood.  The 
other  figure  Margaret  soon  perceived  was  Elsie,  who  had 
already  parted  from  her  unknown  companion  and  was  on  her 
way  back,  with  great  haste,  as  if  she  saw  the  uneasiness 
which  her  absence  was  causing.  These  things  occurring  at 
the  momeiy,  of  their  departure,  made  them  pause  sufficiently 
long  for  their  friend  and  protector  to  reach  them  in  time  to 
set  their  minds  at  rest. 

"  Wat's  dat  down  dere  among  de  bushes  ?"  was  the  earn- 
est query  of  the  mother  to  her  daughter  just  as  she  put  her 
head  above  the  ledge. 

"Never  mind  mammy,  here  is  a  pipe  and  tobacco  and 
some  fresh  dry  punk  for  your  tinder-box.  The  steel  is  in  the 
red  pouch  at  your  side." 

A  pipe  and  fresh  tobacco  were  just  what  Angelica  needed 
at  that  instant,  for  collecting  her  scattered  senses  ;  and  so 
her  mind  was  diverted  from  the  vision  that  rose  in  the  mist 
of  the  glen,  to  the  eyes  of  the  amazed  and  disturbed  woman. 
Margaret  would  fain  have  continued  the  inquiry,  but  per- 
ceiving the  unwillingness  of  her  friend  to  enter  upon  the  sub- 
ject, she,  with  the  tact  oi  good  breeding,  set  about  helping 
Elsie  to  spread  out  the  meal  that  she  had  brought  back  with 
her  upon  the  fiat  stone,  which  had  hitherto  served  them  as  a 
table. 


THE   WINGS   OF  A   CHF.RUB.  417 

"  What  a  fine  breakfast  you  have  brought  us ;  beantiful 
white  bread  and  milk  ;  warm  milk  just  from  the  cow.  What 
I  used  to  steal  out  and  get  in  our  dairy  at  home  in  England. 
Here  I  am  drinking  it  on  the  side  of  these  very  mountains 
that  Hendrick  Hudson  saw  when  he  came  up  the  Great 
River." 

"  Yaw  mammy,"  said  Elsie,  addressing  the  old  lady, '  it  is  the 
milk  of  old  Blackie.  I  met  her  mooing  on  the  side  of  the 
hill,  for  some  one  to  milk  her,  and  when  she  saw  me,  you 
would  have  cried  to  see  how  she  ran  to  me.'* 

The  good  Angelica  was  wiping  her  eyes  at  the  account  her 
daughter  gave  her  ;  but  the  prudent  girl  went  on  so  rapidly, 
that  there  was  no  room  to  ask  questions,  and  it  evidently  ap- 
peared to  the  quick-eyed  Margaret,  that  there  were  things 
behind  which  the  caterer  did  not  wish  to  tell.  Her  high  spirits 
and  quick  motions  had  a  sympathetic  effect  upon  the  others, 
so  that  by  the  time  the  mother's  second  pipe  was  over  and  tlm 
repast  partaken  of,  there  was  even  cheerfulness  felt  and  shown 
by  all.  Rover  had  eaten  up  the  crumbs  and  was  watching  a 
chance  to  dip  his  tongue  into  the  hole  where  Dickey's  milk 
was  poured.  Elsie  was  carefully  gathering  up  the  remains 
of  the  meal  and  putting  them  away  in  case  of  a  dearth  of 
food  ;  while  the  reflecting  Margaret  was  lost  in  reverie  as  she 
recalled  the  strange  being  she  had  seen  that  morning  with 
her  guardian  ;  of  whom  it  was  evident  she  must  remain  in 
ignorance  for  the  present.  She  however  ventured  to  ask  a 
question,  as  they  all  sat  looking  down  through  the  interven- 
ing glade.  "Is  there  no  path  down  through  the  ravine 
there,"  said  she,  deferentially,  "that  we  might  follow  and 
come  to  the  river  where  this  water  is  now  going  ?  My  dear 
Elsie,  it  is  surely  better  to  risk  some  danger,  than  be  pent  up 
here  in  this  high  fortification  and  perish.  I  have  heard  sol- 
diers say,  that  it  was  a  maxim  in  war,  that  to  remain  and  never 
show  yourself  was  the  sign  of  defeat,  and  sure  to  end  in  that 
at  last." 

"  Ah,  my  lady,"  said  Elsie,  "  you  forget  that  the  weak  must 
have  walls  of  defence,  and  what  the  wildcats  up  hero  have 
not  in  strength  is  given  them  in  cunning  and  claws.  Despair 
never  effects  any  noble  purpose.  Let  us  wait  another  day 
up  here  in  the  sunshine,  before  we  risk  our  lives  down  hi  the 
dark  valley." 

"  All  that  sounds  very  philosophical  in  words,  but  I  would 
be  willing  to  veuture  into  the  dark,  and  get  my  feet  br  ilsod 
for  the  least  chance  of  escape." 

1C* 


4:18  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"A  hundred  Indians  are  lying  across  that  road  at  this  mo 
ment,"  said  Elsie,  with  her  hand  pointed  downward,  "  and 
every  one  of  them  has  the  scent  of  the  Spanish  blood-hound 
that  I  have  heard  my  uncle  tell  about.  Do  you  think,  Miss  Clin- 
ton, that  you  could  swim  to  an  island,  when  the  tide  is  sweep- 
ing everything  out  into  the  sea?  could  a  hunted  deer  break 
through  a  closing  rank  of  men  and  dogs,  watching  for  him 
in  the  thicket  ?  I  saw  one,  a  beautiful  creature,  chased  by  a 
hundred  hunters,  and  he  took  to  the  ice.  The  men  and  dogs 
on  the  banks  pursuing  him,  but  he  bounded  forward  at  such 
a  speed,  that  I  clapped  my  hands  in  perfect  joy  at  the  pros- 
pect of  his  escape,  when  a  cunning  hunter,  who  had  lain 
down  in  the  bushes,  lifted  his  gun  and  gave  him  a  fatal 
shot." 

"  You  mean,"  said  Margaret,  with  a  sigh,  "  that  I  am  a 
hunted  deer,  and  that  there  is  no  hope  for  my  escape  ?" 

"  No  hope  for  you  down  through  that  path;  by  and  by 
there  may  be.  Go  down  at  this  moment,  and  you  will  be  like 
a  fish  going  into  a  fyke." 

"  And  what  is  a  fyke  ?"  said  the  interested  young  lady, 
always  wakened  up  by  any  new  sound  or  scene. 

"A  net  wide  at  one  end  like  this  clove,  but  closed  at  the 
other,  and  narrow,  so  that  the  fish  cannot  turn." 

"  That  gives  me  but  little  hope,  my  friend,  my  protector, 
my  adviser ;  but  it  seems  after  all,  that  you  are  not  without 
some  hope.  May  be  you  would  prefer  me  to  mount  the  hill, 
and  seek  a  refuge  on  High  Peak  as  you  call  it.  I  am  ready  to 
go  with  you  to  any  place." 

"  Come,  Miss  Clinton,"  said  Elsie,  anxious  to  divert  the 
mind  of  her  ward  from  her  present  condition ;  let  us  go  out 
into  the  sunshine  and  finish  that  queen's  robe  we  commenced 
yesterday.  I  have  some  thread  that  we  can  use  in  binding 
these  leaves  together,  as  Mother  Eve  did  in  her  forlorn  state. 
We  are  better  off  than  she  was  in  the  Garden  of  Eden." 

"  I  am  sure,"  said  Margaret,  smiling  at  the  conceit  of  her 
friend,  "  she  had  not  more  brilliant  colors  than  we  have  in 
our  paradise  ;  though  on  the  whole,  I  think  her  outward  con- 
dition was  a  little  better  than  ours  to  the  feet." 

"  My  lady,  it  is  not  the  soft  or  hard  walks  which 
make  the  difference.  Let  us  make  the  most  of  our  place, 
and  be  the  noblest  of  beings  on  the  mountain." 

In  this  way  the  two  maidens  passed  the  early  part  of  that 
day.  Elsie  made  a  crown  of  the  laurel,  and  set  in  it  three 
feathers  of  sumach,  which  rendered  it  quite  imperial.  The 


THE   WINGS   OF  A   CHEBUB.  419 

sceptre  was  a  peeled  staff,  surrounded  with  red  and  yellow 
leaves,  tufted  at  the  top  with  a  deep  purple  knot.  A  wreath 
made  of  the  same  material,  several  yards  in  length,  which 
when  tied  at  the  ends  was  thrown  over  the  right  shoulder, 
and  biased  so  as  to  come  on  the  left  side,  where  the  sword 
of  state  hung,  made  of  shingle  wood  which  they  found  float- 
ing down  the  stream.  The  lozenged,  blanket  variegated  with 
red  and  blue,  had  a  hole  cut  in  the  centre,  through  which 
Margaret's  head  went,  and  having  also  outlets  for  her  arms, 
it  hung  easily,  not  to  say  gracefully,  upon  her  stately,  aristo- 
cratic form ;  so  that  she  really  moved  among  these  scenes 
more  like  the  queen  of  the  mountain  in  October,  than  this 
description  would  justify. 

"  Ha,"  said  the  enthusiastic  lady,  as  she  surveyed  herself, 
laughing  so  that  her  face  seemed  like  the  sun  struggling 
through  the  mists ;  "  how  the  Duchess  of  Mourtelhome  would 
envy  me,  were  she  to  see  me  walking  into  the  birthday  mas- 
querade. I  will  keep  the  pattern  of  this  until  I  need  it ;" 
and  with  that  she  gave  a  few  steps  in  the  fashion  of  majesty, 
so  that  her  companion  laughed  back,  and  with  assumed  obeis- 
ance bent  the  knee  before  her,  while  her  queenship  held  out 
her  hand  to  be  kissed. 

They  had  not  got  over  the  novelty  of  this  nmusenient 
when  they  were  attracted  by  a  scream  of  eagles  above  them 
in  the  clouds,  that  were  slowly  resting  on  the  mountain  tops, 
where  they  sometimes  lie  for  days  like  a  fleecy  turban  round 
the  head  of  an  East  Indian  King. 

"  See,"  said  Elsie,  who  was  the  first  to  speak,  though  not 
the  first  to  perceive,  "  there  is  an  eagle  resting  on  that  white 
cloud.  He  is  calling  to  his  mate  for  he  sees  where  he  may 
find  her  a  dainty  bit." 

"  Hush !"  said  Margaret,  "  let  him  rest  there  till  I  see  him 
a  little  more.  His  voice  is  that  of  true  love.  Let  us  listen 
How  calmly  he  sits  up  there  undisturbed  ;  his  head  is  above 
the  mist ;  and  he  only  seeks  glimpses  of  the  earth.  The 
hand  of  the  fowler  cannot  reach  him.  Like  the  warhorse  of 
Job,  he  mocketh  at  fear,  and  is  not  atirighted.  He  smelleth 
the  battle  afar  oflf." 

"  Y  es,  Miss  Clinton,  he  scents  his  dinner,  and  not  very  far  oft 
either,  if  I  may  judge  from  the  growling  of  a  wolf  that  I  heai 
below  us,  with  the  quarrelling  of  other  creatures.  The  shots 
we  heard  yesterday  left  carcasses  lying  there,  and  bo*,h  leasts 
and  birds  soon  find  out  the  place.*' 

"  I  become  terrified  at  your  telling  me  these  thing!  a- 


420 

look  below ;  but  I  feel  strong  looking  up  to  t'uat  majestic 
creature.  Have  you  seen  him  ever  before  ?" 

"  Oh,  dear  lady,  he  has  his  home  up  there  in  High  Peak, 
from  spring  till  the  winter  comes  near,  when  his  mate  and 
he,  with  the  young  ones  which  they  have  raised  during  the 
summer,  go  away  to  some  wanner  climate.  The  Dominie 
says  they  will  not  stop  till  they  reach  the  Andes.  They  know 
the  seasons  better  than  any  old  man  in  the  country  ;  and  can 
find  a  dinner  where  the  cunningest  fox  in  the  Mils  has  hid- 
den it.  The  Dominie  preached  us  a  fine  sermon  not  long1 
since  from  the  Dutch  text,  *  wan  alwaar  het  doode  ligchaam 
zal  zijn,  daar  zullen  de  arenden  vergaderd  worden.'  It  is 
about  the  carcass  gathering  the  eagles.  And  it  was  terrible 
to  hear  the  good  man  lifting  up  his  hand,  saying,  '  wherever 
there  is  a  carcass,  there  is  a  bird  to  tear  it  open. 
Vengeance  follows  the  guilty  like  instinct ;  cross  the  sea. 
ascend  the  mountain,  dive  into  the  whirlpool,  there  is  the 
eagle  hovering  over  him  ready  to  alight  upon  him.  No 
sooner  is  the  wicked  act  performed  than  the  fatal  flap  of  the 
wing  follows.  But  I  see  you  are  up  in  the  clouds  just  now, 
and  I  must  wait  till  you  come  down." 

"  Oh,  yes,  excuse  me,  Elsie,  for  not  listening  to  you.  How 
grandly  he  moves.  Like  a  ship  far  out  at  sea  with  sails 
unfurled.  I  could  trust  myself  on  his  wings,  and  be  free. 
He  would  lay  me  down  at  my  mother's  side.  What  is  that 
you  said  about  the  Dominie  and  the  eagle  ?" 

"Doth  the  eagle  mount  at  thy  command,  and  make  her 
nest  on  high  ?  From  thence  she  s^eketh  her  prey  ;  and  her 
eyes  behold  afar  off."  So  Elsie  quoted,  adding :  "  the  Dominie 
says  that  '  the  Creator  who  gave  power  to  the  eagle  can  give 
freedom  to  the  country.'  " 

"  Ah  very  true,  dear  Elsie,  but  the  eagle  has  been  the  sign 
of  tyranny  as  frequently  as  of  freedom  ;  and  he  is  a  cruel, 
bloody  bird,  though  he  be  a  true  king  up  there,  and  every 
where.  I  wish  from  my  soul  I  were  on  his  wings.  See  he 
narrows  his  circles,  and  there  he  seems  to  sit  unmoved  upon 
the  air." 

"  Wait,  my  Lady  Margaret,  and  you  will  see  him  alighting 
soon.  His  eye  is  fixed  on  some  object  below ;  and  he  will 
dart  down  like  an  arrow  upon  it." 

Elsie  was  mistaken  in  her  conjecture,  for  while  the  kingly 
bird  did  come  down  it  was  to  alight  on  a  tree  that  stood  on 
the  south  side  of  the  ravine,  where  he  sat  pluming  himself 
nith  evident  pride,  stretching  out  his  high  nec-k.  over  the 


THE   WINGS   OF   A   CHERUB.  421 

precipice.  The  two  spectators  watched  him  for  an  hour  till 
their  eyes  grew  tired.  Margaret's  especially,  melted  into 
tears  at  his  movements,  so  natural,  graceful,  and  at  the  same 
time  evincing  such  power.  Elsie,  who  had  not  the  same 
interest  in  the  bird,  made  while  she  sat  a  wreath  for  herself, 
and  was  in  the  act  of  throwing  it  over  her  head  when  i 
scream  from  her  mother,  and  a  howl  of  distress  from  Rover, 
made  her  run  to  the  rescue  ;  Margaret  following  with  equa' 
speed.  When  they  arrived  at  the  spot  where  Angelica  was 
confusion  spread  on  all  sides,  of  what  nature,  neither  of  the 
two  damsels  could  tell.  There  was  tne  mother,  the  chief 
figure,  in  the  foreground,  with  Rover  ant)  Dickey  at  her  right 
and  left,  but  the  most  confounding  thing  of  the  whole  was 
to  see  the  eagle  in  front,  striking  and  flapping  his  wings 
with  the  utmost  fury  at  all  three  ;  and  but  for  the  prompt 
arrival  of  new  forces,  he  must  have  come  off  the  conqueror. 
The  history  of  the  battle,  when  they  came  to  t<;ll  it  in 
order,  was  this.  The  eagle  had  seen  from  his  eyrie,  the  lamb 
playing  around  the  platform,  and  made  up  his  mind  to  carrj 
him  off  captive ;  but  like  a  cautious  soldier,  he  determined  on 
stratagem  rather  than  upon  attack  in  face  of  the  enemy ;  so 
sitting  down  before  the  fortress,  he  resolved  to  bide  his  time. 
At  one  spring,  and  as  quietly  as  a  cat,  he  descended,  putting 
his  talons  into  Dickey's  wool,  and  was  in  the  act  of  lifting 
him  up.  when  Rover,  with  true  courage  and  se'f-sacrifice,  ran 
to  the  help  of  his  playfellow,  seizing  the  eagle  by  the  wing, 
and  holding  him  to  the  ground.  The  brave  bird,  nothing 
daunted,  let  go  the  lamb,  and  turned  on  the  dog  with  beak 
and  talons,  which  made  him  yell,  and  try  to  get  off  in  re- 
treat, which  the  enemy  had  no  mind  to  allow  ;  still  keeping  at 
him,  since  the  woolly  victim  had  fled.  By  this  time  the 
eagle  deemed  that  dog-meat  was  better  than  none,  so  lie 
was  in  the  act  of  lifting  up  poor  Rover  in  the  air  when 
Angelica  arrived  on  the  battle-ground  ;  and  seeing  her  favo- 
rite struggling  to  be  free,  she  rushed  forward,  scixing  Rover 
by  the  tail.  The  eagle  soon  found  that  able  as  he  was  to  lift 
either  of  the  two  four-footed  creatures,  it  was  more  than  he 
had  bargained  for,  >vhen  a  heavy  Dutch  vrow  hud  taken  forc- 
ible possession  of  the  tail  end  of  his  prey.  It  was  at  this  part 
of  the  contest  that  Elsie  arrived,  who,  finding  that  the  wea- 
pons of  the  enemy  were  so  sharp  that  they  drew  blood  at  every 
btrokc,  made  an  effort  to  seize  him  at  once  by  the  neck,  which 
she,  by  a  dexterous  turn,  caught  in  her  hand,  choking  him  so 
that  his  beak  becnme  helpless.  Here  Margaret  came  of  i  with 


4-22  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

one  of  Angelica's  thick  quilted  petticoats,  which  she  threw 
arom*d  him,  while  the  old  lady,  with  great  presence  of  mind, 
took  the  garters  from  her  own  legs,  and  bound  those  of  the  dis- 
discomfited  bird  of  Jove,  so  that  he  became  nearly  as  helpless 
as  one  of  her  own  gobblers,  on  his  way  to  the  Dominie's  for 
his  Christmas  dinner.  Conquered,  though  still  defiant,  he  lav 
on  his  side,  casting  fiery  glances  at  his  vanquishers,  who,  from 
the  fright  and  the  battle,  were  in  a  state  of  great  excitement. 

"  What  shall  we  now  do  with  him  ?"  was  the  question 
which  came  simultaneously  from  the  conquerors.  Margaret 
was  for  setting  him  free  at  once,  remembering  her  own  im- 
prisonment. 

"  I  cannot,"  said  she  in  her  enthusiasm,  "  see  such  a  bold  and 
noble  creature  in  chains.  You  may  not  have  read  of  a  great 
man  like  your  own  Washington,  but  I  must  say  it,  of  one  who 
delivered  his  country  from  vassalage,  William  Tell,  who  was 
celebrated  for  his  mnrkmanship,  so  that  he  could,  sever  an 
apple  with  his  arrow  at  a  hundred  paces'  distance.  When 
out  on  his  native  hills,  he  saw  an  eagle  wheeling  in  aerial 
circles  above  his  head.  With  the  instinctive  ambition  of  a 
huntsman,  he  put  the  bolt  upon  the  string,  which  all  knew 
would  have  brought  the  king  of  birds  down  to  the  earth,  but 
in  a  moment  he  let  the  weapon  full  from  his  hand,  shouting, 
*  Liberty  !  liberty  !'  " 

Angelica,  who  had  none  of  that  kind  of  sentiment  in  her 
composition,  was  for  chopping  off  his  head  at  once,  like  any 
common  hawk's  found  in  a  barn-yard  trap. 

"  Te  wicked  tief  dat  he  is ;  noting  betters  serve  him  dan 
drink  and  lap  lamb's  bloed  ;  wid  my  mind  izijn  hoofd  wil- 
lende  be  gebragt  in  een'  schotel  like  Johannes  den  Dooper." 

"  Mammy,  that  is  not  like  you.  His  head  on  a  charger, 
like  that  of  John  the  Baptist !  You  may  live  through  this 
day,  and  see  the  prophecy  fulfilled — to  the  '  woman  was  given 
the  two  wings  of  a  great  eagle,  that  she  might  fly  into  the 
wilderness,  into  her  place  where  she  was  nourished  for  a 
time  from  the  face  of  the  serpent.'  I  could  read  that  in 
Dutch  to  you,  mammy,  for  you  believe  the  old  Dutch  is  the 
true  language  of  Canaan.  Let  us  teach  the  robler  a  lesson, 
and  keep  him  a  short  time,  and  make  some  sport  with  him." 

uAs  the  Philistines  did  with  Samson,"  said  Margaret, 
rather  pettishly,  because  her  will  had  not  been  carried  out. 
But  Elsie,  perceiving  that  he  would  serve  to  pass  the  time,  lilted 
him  carefully,  and-  mounting  into  the  fork  of  a  tree  which 
fvp-v  o»i  tht*  v^rge  of  the  shelf,  fastened  him  there.  Coming 


THE   AMPHITHEATRE.  4:23 

down,  she  left  him  ruffling  up  his  plumage,  spreading  his  wings, 
full  six  feet  from  tip  to  tip,  while  his  head  stood  erect  three 
feet  high ;  but  the  spring  of  his  limbs  was  lost,  and  he  sank 
with  noble  pride  a  prisoner,  still  threatening  defiance  on  his 
keepers.  Margaret  was  in  raptures  at  the  sight,  and  forgot 
for  the  moment  her  sorrow,  exclaiming  as  she  clapped  her 
hands : 

"  What  a  tale  to  tell  if  I  ever  return  to  England,  that  I 
helped  to  capture  the  king  of  birds." 

"  It  is  a  good  omen,  my  lady,"  was  Elsie's  response,  "  that 
you  will  conquer  your  hard  fate.  The  tyrant  seeking  to 
devour  the  innocent  lamb  is  overcome." 

"  Yaw,  yaw,"  said  Angelica,  "  ande  de  vecht  ande  pre- 
vailed not,  neder  was  hiins  found  any  more  in  den  hemel." 

"Many  thanks  to  you  both,  my  kind  friends,  for  your 
words  of  hope.  "  God  Almighty  grant  it  may  be  so." 

"  Yaw,  yaw,"  said  the  pious  mother,  catching  always  at 
good  things  ;  "  de  Domilie  says  dat  Satan  in  Gabriel's  wings 
can  be  tumbled  into  des  afgrons — dat  is  de  bottomless  pit, 
by  a  worden  of  prayer." 

"  You  see,  Miss  Clinton,  that  the  signs  are  favorable  this 
morning,  and  there  is  no  need  of  your  doing  any  rash  act  till 
the  hour  of  desperation  arrives,  and  then  it  will  be  time 
enough  for  us  to  do  up  to  our  ability." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE   AMPHITHEATRE. 

•  I've  seen  myself  with  these  two  eyes, 

Far  grander  scenes  than  Caesar  saw  in  Rome, 

Or  champion  joined  in  wiien  the  skied 

Sent  back  the  shouts  upon  him  with  the  prize  ; 

I  saw  that  scene,  and  felt  that  power — at  home." 

WKSTKRN  TRAV 

THEIR  great  exploit  with  the  eagle  furnished  subjects  of 
sufficient  interest  to  engage  the  minds  of  all  three  for  a  whole 
day,  and  thus  fill  up  the  time  which  Elsie  was  so  desirous  of 
occupying,  so  that  the  mind  of  her  charge  might  tor  the  pi 
be  diverted  from  herself.     Margaret  was  the  eagle's  tir. 
one.      Neither  Elsie  nor  her  mother  durst  come  near  to  l.im 
without  meeting  his  fiery  glances,  which  he  sent  out  like 


424  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

flame.  The  young  enthusiast  was  enraptured  ;  t  iking  plea- 
sure  in  feeding  him,  and  even  ventured  to  stroke  down  the 
plumage  of  his  neck.  Climbing  up  on  the  tree  beside  him 
became  one  of  her  new  lessons  in  mountain  gymnastics ;  so 
that  she  came  at  length  to  swing  on  the  brandies  that  over- 
hung the  glen  with  delight  rather  than  with  fear. 

The  sun  had  by  this  time  ascended  nearly  to  the  meridian, 
when  Elsie  spread  their  table  once  more,  and  insisted  upon 
their  partaking  with  her  of  a  dinner  she  had  kept  for  them, 
in  the  basket,  from  the  morning's  repast.  There  was  broiled 
ohicken  and  roasted  venison,  with  plenty  of  home-made 
bread.  The  mountain  air  and  the  hard  light  had  given  them 
a  keen  appetite,  so  that  the  meal  was  relished  by  all  three 
women  and  their  three  companions,  dog,  lamb,  and  eagle — • 
each  feeding  her  own  charge.  Elsie  had  one  more  surprise 
for  them ;  a  small  bottle  of  the  purest  port  wine,  which 
cheered  the  hearts  of  all. 

"  One  might  believe,  my  dear  Elsie,  that  the  eagles  of 
Elijah  have  been  supplying  your  basket  this  morning  ;  and 
if  so,  we  have  made  an  ungrateful  return  in  capturing  one  of 
our  friends  there." 

"  My  clear  lady,  we  cannot  always  tell  how  our  commonest 
blessings  reach  us ;  and  jit  is  best  for  us  not  to  know  all  in 
one  day," 

"  Eat  as  de  Dominie  says,  asking  none  questions  for  de 
stomach's  sake,  vat  is  set  before  tee."  Having  said  this,  the 
old  mother  looked  round  for  Rover ;  but  though  she  called 
to  him  in  her  kindest  and  most  pursuasive  tone,  he  did  not 
answer.  Elsie  showed  most  excitement  of  the  three ;  start- 
ing to  her  feet  as  if  she  waited  for  some  apparition.  If  so,  it 
was  not  certainly  the  one  that  came  up ;  for  on  a  sudden  Ro- 
ver came  in  sight,  followed  by  that  unworthy  dog,  Shandaa- 
gan,  who  took  his  stand  upon  a  rocky  point  above  the  plat- 
form where  they  stood.  The  caitiff  grinned  a  scornful  smile, 
as  he  tried  to  look  into  the  faces  of  the  disconcerted  women, 
who  knew  too  well  that  he  was  but  the  shadow  of  another 
whom  they  both  hated  and  dreaded  still  more  than  himself. 
As  they  feared,  Kiskataam  came  in  sight  a  minute  after- 
ward, uttering  his  usual  ugh !  of  grim  gratification  at  the 
success  of  his  hunt. 

Margaret  gave  a  shudder  of  mingled  fear  and  disgust,  re- 
calling in  feeling,  as  in  memory,  the  torments  she  had  endured 
since  she  had  been  kidnapped  from  the  ship.  After  looking 
aside,  as  if  she  expected  yet  another  besides  these  two,  sin; 


THE   AMPHITHEATRE.  425 

turned  her  back  to  the  dizzy  precipice,  standing  as  near  to  it 
as  safety  would  allow ;  her  face  lighted  up  with  a  courage 
and  defiance  which  made  the  human  tiger  turn  his  eyes  away, 
conscious  of  his  weakness  in  the  presence  of  virtue.  To  re- 
lieve his  growing  embarrassment,  he  ventured  to  address  the 
young  lady,  more  to  keep  his  own  courage  up  than  in  any 
nope  of  daunting  her  determination. 

"  Will  the  Fawn  run  no\v,  or  wait  to  be  eaten  up  by  the 
big  teeth  of  the  red  wolf?  His  feet  are  on  the  trail  of  the 
weak  Fawn.  He  will  be  down  in  the  length  of  ten  arrows. 
Let  the  Fawn  run  now  with  the  Indian.  He  will  carry  her  to 
the  big  canoe  down  there,  and  put  her  beside  the  great 
soldier  and  his  squaw." 

This  artful  speech,  delivered  in  the  softest  tones,  and  with 
his  finger  pointing  down  the  clove  to  where  the  river  is  almost 
seen,  was  well  calculated  to  make  an  impression  on  a  young 
female,  imprisoned  among  strange  scenes,  and  trembling  still 
nore  in  the  prospect  of  being  captured  by  one  that  she 
aated  with  a  perfect  hatred.  Had  any  other  man  on  earth 
offered  her  the  same  convoy,  she  would  have  accepted  of  it  • 
but  she  had  proved  his  hypocrisy  already,  and  was  not  a 
moment  in  deciding  against  the  proffered  help.  Elsie,  who 
had  been  watching  the  movements  of  her  countenance  with 
the  keenest  scrutiny,  was  prepared  to  thwart  the  sinister 
purpose,  had  there  been  any  wavering  on  the  part  of  her  ward. 
But  the  hesitation,  if  any,  was  but  for  a  moment ;  for  the  face 
of  the  captive  assumed  the  most  ineffable  scorn,  which  the 
wily  serpent  interpreted  without  requiring  verbal  expression, 
which  provoked  the  savage  more  than  a  torrent  of  words. 
These  feeble  women,  even  the  simple  Angelica,  had  put  on  a 
calmness  which  confounded  their  enemy,  and  rendered  him 
almost  mad ;  all  the  more  because  he  expected  to  hear  the 
voice  of  Clifford  in  the  rear  every  moment.  Whatever,  there- 
fore, he  had  to  do  for  himself,  must  be  done  quickly.  Per- 
ceiving that  Elsie  was  the  prime  mover  of  Miss  Clinton's 
action,  he  tried  that  string,  gently  at  first,  as  if  conscious  of 
the  tenderness  beneath.  Knowing  from  past  experience  that 
the  least  scratch  of  an  unsheathed  claw  would  bring  upon 
him  a  storm,  before  which  lie  must  retire,  he  partly  ad- 
dressed both  the  young  women,  as  he  said,  in  his  most 
emiling  way : 

"  The  Boerman's  young  Wildcat  will  go  with  the  *  awn. 
Shandaagan  is  good  Indian  hunter." 

ELsie  had  not  the  self-restraint  of  Miss  Clinton      Havms 


426  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

always  full  freedom  at  home,  her  speech  was  ever  the  ready 
utterance  of  her  feelings,  and  now  that  her  contempt  for  the 
mean  red-skin  was  so  deep,  it  was  all  she  could  say  to  bid 
him — 

"  Go  off  to  Stony  Clove,  where  the  squaws  are  lying 
hungry  beside  their  pappooses.  whimpering  for  their  double- 
tongued  daddies." 

A  flash  of  savage  passion  crossed  the  face  of  the  smooth 
deceiver,  when  he  leaped  dow&  on  the  step  beneath,  along 
with  his  attendant,  coming  up  close  to  the  very  spot  where 
the  three  females  were  standing,  with  their  faces  toward 
their  enemies.  Elsie  was  all  alert,  and  whispering  to  her 
mother  to  keep  an  eye  on  one  savage,  she  took  the  chief 
to  herself.  In  the  front  of  Miss  Clinton  she  kept  Kiskataam 
at  bay.  On  the  other  hand,  Shandaagan  was  pressing  forward 
with  the  evident  intention  of  pushing  the  old  lady  aside,  so 
that  he  might  aid  his  master  in  securing  Elsie,  Avho  was  the 
one  most  to  be  dreaded.  But  Angelica  had  not  stood  so 
long  unprepared,  for  with  a  stone  in  her  strong  hand,  she 
struck  the  skull  of  the  Indian  such  an  unexpected  blow  that  he 
reeled,  and  all  but  fell.  A  moment  more,  and  his  tomahawk 
Would  have  done  its  work  on  her  head,  when  Rover  seized 
the  calf  of  his  leg  from  behind,  giving  it  a  bite  which  would 
have  made  a  white  man  scream ;  this  gave  the  old  lady  a 
chance  with  another  stone  to  strike  the  hand  that  held  the 
weapon  of  death,  when  he  let  it  fall  just  at  her  feet.  She 
picked  it  up  so  aptly  that  the  coward  sprang  back,  and 
wreaked  his  vengeance  by  a  kick  on  the  dog's  ribs,  which 
added  to  the  music  of  the  day. 

In  the  meantime,  the  Indian  chief  was  pressing  hard  upon. 
Elsie,  whose  courage  was  rising  equal  to  the  emergency,  as 
she  prepared  for  the  worst,  though  it  was  not  the  intention 
of  the  wily  foe  to  do  more  than  frighten  her  into  compliance, 
since  he  could  not  wheedle  them  into  his  charge.  a»  said 
fiercely : 

"  Does  the  Wildcat  seek  a  lead  nut  through  her  brown 
hair,"  as  he  pointed  the  muzzle  of  his  gun  in  the  direction  of 
the  brave  girl's  breast,  who,  not  in  the  least  daunted,  to  the 
evident  surprise  of  the  enemy,  drew  from  her  bosom,  where 
it  lay  concealed,  a  beautiful  silver-mounted  pistol,  armed 
with  a  small  dagger,  that  flew  out  at  the  touch  of  a  spring. 

"  Does  the  bloody  Catamount  want  a  ball  through  his  false 
neart?  Let  him  come  one  step  nearer  and  there  are  tw<? 
veauy  for  him." 


THE    AMPHITHEATRE.  42? 

Foiled  alike  in  his  attempt  at  flattering  and  frightening 
these  feeble  women,  he  was  put  to  his  wit's  end,  and  was 
evidently  intent  upon  something  desperate,  when,  to  his 
increased  mortification,  the  chief  actor  in  this  wicked  drama 
stepped  suddenly  upon  the  stage.  Standing  upon  the  bank 
that  ran  across  the  ravine  at  a  higher  point,  Clifford  looked 
down  upon  the  whole  party  with  an  interest  and  a  hesitation 
which  a  wicked  man,  still  possessed  of  some  honor,  may  be 
supposed  to  have  when  he  sees  the  victim  of  his  desire,  and 
when  his  conscience  tells  him  that  h^  is  sinking  in  his  own 
esteem.  He  stood  pausing  and  preparing  himself,  not  un- 
like the  eagle  before  it  descended  on  the  lamb,  hating  the  act, 
yet  forced  by  insatiable  appetite  to  devour.  To  none  of  the 
parties  was  the  arrival  of  Clifford  more  unwelcome  than  to 
to  Kiskataam.  His  intentions  had  been,  up  to  this  moment, 
to  carry  off  Miss  Clinton.  He  would  have  taken  her  back 
into  the  wilderness  if  possible ;  but  rather  than  not  be 
revenged  on  the  Englishman,  he  would  have  set  her  down 
safe  in  the  ship  from  whence  he  abducted  her.  Sick  of  the 
bargain  he  had  made  with  the  unprincipled  rake,  he  had  been 
nursing  his  vengeance  ever  since  their  quarrel  on  the  night 
of  his  arrival ;  but  now  all  his  selfish  schemes  were  blown 
aside,  and  he  must  deliver  up  the  prize  to  the  one  who  had 
bought  him.  Grinding  his  teeth  with  rage  and  disappoint- 
ment, he  had  no  alternative  but  to  smother  his  wrath,  and 
seem  to  yield,  by  showing  an  extra  zeal  for  the  master's 
interest,  so  that  even  the  simple  Angelica  said  : 

"  De  Yudas  petray  his  maister  for  ane  kiss." 

"  Miss  Clinton,  I  have  found  you  at  last,  and  after  an 
eternity  of  anxiety,"  were  the  first  words  of  the  cold,  pas- 
sionate hypocrite.  "You  have  the  cunning  of  the  fox  with 
the  beauty  of  the  fawn,  so  well  do  you  hide,  and  so  fleetly 
and  gracefully  do  you  move." 

With  these  words,  he  bowed  so  like  one  paying  deference 
to  beauty  and  innocence,  that  none  save  the  most  knowing 
in  the  art  of  the  spoiler  could  have  guessed  that  aught  lay 
beneath  the  surface  but  the  purest  stream  of  sincerity.  To 
his  bow  the  lady  gave  no  further  heed  than  to  look  toward 
him,  watching  his  smallest  motion. 

"  Miss  Clinton,"  said  the  artful  villain,  coming  nearer  aiM 
standing  quite  over  the  place  where  the  others  wciv 
grouped,  for  all  were  waiting  his  motion  ;  "  you  look  it* 
that  dress  as  if  you  were  prepared  to  come  with  me  to  the 
place  where  nature  is  exhibited  on  her  greatest  scale,  anO 


428  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

when  I  have  you  there,  standing  in  the  island  that  divides 
the  tumbling  waters,  a  poet  would  call  you  the  genius  of 
Niagara." 

Margaret  had  been  so  absorbed  in  the  events  of  the  morn- 
ing, up  to  this  moment,  that  her  fantastic  attire  was  the  least 
of  her  thoughts,  but  being  now  reminded  of  that,  and  cast- 
ing a  rapid  glance  over  her  person,  a  slight  blush  tinged  her 
cheek  as  she  reflected  on  her  folly  in  the  midst  of  her  dis- 
tress, but  this  was  no  time  to  be  affected  by  trifles;  impor- 
tant realities  called  for  action,  and  for  endurance ;  now  she 
could  neither  be  flattered  nor  frightened  out  of  her  chaste 
dignity,  by  the  man  who  had  tried  before  this  to  fascinate  her, 
as  the  snake  draws  the  helpless  bird  into  his  jaws. 

"  Miss  Clinton,"  repeated  the  artful  seducer,  "  you  never 
in  the  days  of  your  greatest  beauty,  in  the  brilliant  assem- 
blies we  have  attended  together,  looked  half  so  queenly  as 
now,  standing  amidst  all  that  rugged  grandeur  around  you, 
and  yourself  so  seemly  in  the  trappings  of  that  holy  nature 
you  love  so  well.  Could  you  but  see  the  great  lakes  of  the 
North  and  of  the  West,  your  spirit  would  expand  to  a 
breadth  which  you  are  as  yet  a  stranger  to." 

"Defile  not  the  pure  air  around  you  with  such  flattery. 
Your  breath  is  hateful  to  me ;  I  hate  the  pure  things  you 
put  your  praise  upon ;  I  have  become  tame,  and  tired  of  my 
childish  romance,  since  it  has  cost  me  so  dearly  already.  My 
liberty  has  been  bartered  for  it,  and  before  night  falls,  my 
life  may  be  the  sacrifice.  But,  thank  God,  my  virtue  still 
remains  and  " 

u  May  not,"  interrupted  the  smooth  sinner,  "  virtue  and 
love  dwell  together  in  a  cottage,  while  romance  would  ride 
out  in  company  on  play-days  ?  I  remember  some  such  sen- 
timent sung,  in  a  home  we  wot  of.  Our  own  Shenstone, 
yp-u  know,  sings : 

"  '  I  have  found  out  a  gift  for  my  fair, 

I  have  found  where  the  wood  pigeons  breed.' " 

"  No  more  !"  said  the  impatient  lady ;  "you  have  touched 
the  wrong  chord ;  I  will  sing  the  real  truth,  as  Shenstono 
sung 

"  '  'Tia  his  with  mock  passions  to  glow, 
"Pis  his  with  smooth  tales  to  unfold  ; 
How  her  face  is  as  white  as  the  snow, 
And  her  bosom  be  sure  is  as  cold.1 " 

With  that  he  leaped  down  on  to  the  same  platform  where 


THE   AMPHITHEATRE.  429 

the  three  fugitives  and  the  two  Indians  were  already  stand- 
ing. Margaret  stood  in  the  centre,  her  autumnal  crown  on 
her  head,  the  wreath  round  her  person,  in  a  diagonal  direction, 
and  her  blanket  robe  bound  at  the  waist  by  another  wreatli 
of  willow  twigs,  that  conlined  it,  so  that  she  moved  without 
tripping  on  the  skirts.  As  she  saw  Clifford  approaching  her, 
she  exclaimed,  with  more  force  than  could  be  expected  of 
her  : 

"  Stand  back  wretched  man ;  God  has  still  provided  me 
with  a  retreat,  that  I  may  escape  from  your  hands." 

"  God  himself  cannot  save  you  now,  Miss  Clinton.  See  on 
either  side  of  you  my  two  faithful  servants,  the  brave  Indian 
chief  Kiskataam,  and  the  cunning  Shandaagan,  and  behind 
you  is  the  roaring  fall.  You  see  that  that  .Providence  you 
epeak  of  has  delivered  you  into  my  hand.  Surrender  at  will 
is  your  true  courage  now,  and  you  may  make  your  own  terms. 
Margaret,  in  yielding  to  your  fate,  you  conquer  your  con- 
queror." 

With  these  half  earnest  words  said  in  a  serio-light  man- 
ner, the  bad  man  took  a  step  nearer,  partly  bending  himself 
forward,  taking  off  his  cap  as  in  deference  to  the  presence  of 
a  queen  ;  while  the  whole  group  presented  a  picture  worthy 
of  a  painter's  eye.  It  was  well  that  a  pause  was  taking 
place,  since  it  gave  time  for  the  working  of  those  passions 
within,  which  ever  gain  force  as  they  are  restrained,  and  the 
time  given  allowed  Elsie  an  opportunity  of  reflecting  on  the 
critical  position  of  her  fdend.  Her  bosom  heaved,  as  the 
veins  of  her  neck  swelled,  her  whole  frame  expanded  a 
size  which  seemed  above  common,  and  yet  there  was  a  sym- 
metry of  proportion  which  tilled  the  mind  more  than  the 
eye. 

"  Stand  back,  caitiff!"  was  the  frantic  exclamation  of  Miss 
Clinton,  to  the  still  approaching  Clifford.  "  Stand  back !  Soi- 
dier  though  you  be,  you  are  a  coward  in  attacking  women, 
and  I  will  not  trust  myself  in  your  hand.  I  have  at  least 
cue  chance  of  escape." 

With  this  she  sprung  up  into  the  tree  at  her  back,  climb- 
in"'  to  the  branch  on  which  Aurelius  stood,  welcoming  her 
\vfth  his  curved  neck,  and  spreading  wings  as  if  he  invited 
her  to  her  chariot;  she  sat  out  on  the  branch  swinging 
over  the  deep  gulf,  making  the  heads  of  all  but  herself 
dizzy. 

"  For  God's  sake,  Miss  Clinton,  do  not  tempt  Providence 


4:30  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

in  that  way;  come  down  and  I  swear  by  my  honor,  that 
you  may  go  where  you  please  rather  than  have  your  blood 
on  my  hands." 

"  I  will  not  trust  a  man  whose  cheek  grows  pale  at  the 
sight  of  death,  and  calling  himself  a  soldier ;  fir.vt  mocking 
God,  and  the  next  moment  invoking  his  name,  then  swearing 
by  an  honor  that  has  been  tarnished  by  ingratitude  and 
violated  friendship." 

The  blood  came  back  to  the  face  of  Clifford  at  these 
reproaches.  He  was  mad,  and  knew  not  how  to  wreak  his 
vengeance,  or  on  whom.  He  felt  himself  weak  in  the  pre- 
sence of  such  daring  as  he  saw.  Besides,  the  scene  before 
him,  wild  and  romantic,  had  a  charm  which  captivated  his 
cultivated,  and  experienced  eye.  Margaret  was  dressed  in 
her  queenly  robes,  and  unconscious  of  her  beauty  at  the 
moment.  Her  face  flushed,  her  hair  hanging  loose  on  her 
shoulders,  she  stood  balancing  herself  on  the  branch  with  one 
hand  on  the  proud  eagle's  neck,  and  the  other  ready  to 
loosen  the  string  that  bound  him  to  the  tree.  Clifford,  at 
the  moment,  would  have  given  all  he  caDed  his  own  to 
have  had  the  lady  at  his  command,  whose  spirit  so  proudly 
defied  him. 

"  Clifford,"  she  called  out  in  transport,  "  you  see  that  the 
God  you  mocked  has  provided  for  me  a  way  of  escape ;  I  am 
not  without  a  friend  since  I  can  rise  on  this  noble  creature's 
wings." 

"  For  the  love  of  God,  Miss  Clinton,  do  not  think  of  trust- 
ing yourself  thereon.  I  swear  on  my  knee  that  you  may  do 
as  you  please,  only  come  down." 

"  I  will  trust  the  eagle  before  I  will  an  ungrateful  and  dis- 
honorable man  misnamed  soldier  and  unworthy  of  his  flag. 
I  feel  safe.  I  am  not  the  first  that  has  been  thrust  upon  a 
pinnacle,  and  who  came  down  safe  in  angels'  charge." 

All  this  time  the  noble  Aurelius  was  excited  to  the  highest 
degree,  by  the  loud  speaking  and  the  gestures  of  the  differ- 
ent parties  He  felt  the  sympathy  of  human  passion,  in  which 
he  joined  so  fiercely  that  he  kept  the  soldier  in  check,  by  his 
fluttering  and  his  screaming.  It  would  have  been  more  than 
a  strong  man  durst  have  done  to  venture  without  arms  neiii" 
to  him.  Without  measuring  the  full  strength,  skill  and 
rapidity  of  such  an  enemy,  Clifford  made  a  spring  at  the 
eagle,  hoping  to  bring  him  down,  and  thus  cool  the  ardor  of 
his  mistress,  but  before  he  could  seize  his  feet  the  proud 


THK   AMPHITHEATRE.  431 

creature,  quick  as  thought,  struck  the  intruder's  cheek  with 
his  beak  below  the  eye,  for  which  he  aimed,  and  sent  liira 
back  with  a  force  and  a  pain  which  brought  both  blood  and 
tears,  as  he  stood  the  object  of  secret  ridicule  and  contempt. 
His  rage  and  bad  passions  were  now  up,  and  pausing  a  mo- 
ment so  as  to  gather  force,  he  said : 

•'  Miss  Clinton,  I  have  no  time  to  parley,  and  since  you 
will  not  yield  yourself  to  me,  your  protector  must  pay  the 
penalty  of  insulting  one  of  his  majesty's  servants." 
_  With  that  he  levelled  his  pistol  with  the  intention  of  put- 
ting a  ball  through  the  bird's  wing.  Quick  as  a  flash,  Elsie 
stepped  forward,  and  struck  the  muzzle  aside,  when  the  shot 
fell  harmless  in  the  gulf  below.  The  hot-brained  soldier, 
now  in  a  transport  of  fury,  looked  like  a  demon  on  the  brave 
Dutch  girl,  whom  he  had  hardly  noticed  before,  and  who  now 
stood  his  glance  unappalled,  as  he  demanded,  "  Who  dares 
to  interfere  with  my  game  ?" 

"  No  soldier  of  King  George  shall  insult  the  sign  of  my 
country  in  my  presence,"  was  the  prompt  answer. 

"  Ah,"  said  the  mortified  man,  "  and  have  we  got  a  young 
rebel  Whig  up  here  in  the  mountains,  and  beyond  the  line* 
too  ;  come  bold  chief,  let  us  bind  these  rebellious  arms  and 
carry  her  along  with  old  Abiel  and  Schuyle/  to  Fort 
Niagara.  She  will  serve  as  maid  of  honor  to  the  queen 
when  there  :  I  see  she  wears  her  livery  already." 

During  the  excitement  of  these  few  minutes,  the  three 
men  had  closed  round  the  beleagured  women,  and  seemed 
about  to  make  the  final  charge.  Angelica  had  another  stone 
prepared  for  her  foe  in  one  hand  and  the  glittering  toma, 
hawk  in  the  other.  Elsie  had  her  finger  at  the  trigger  of  her 
pistol  and  Margaret's  courage  was  wound  up  to  the  highest 
pitch,  so  that  she  seemed  to  court  the  chance  of  taking  her 
aerial  voyage  rather  than  to  fear  it.  If  she  had  fear,  it  w."S 
of  that  kind  which  would  have  made  her  blood  circulate 
more  freely,  as  when  stepping  into  the  parachute  of  a  bal- 
loon, in  which  she  had  perfect  confidence.  With  eye  and 
hand  firm,  her  dress  carefully  freed  from  the  twigs  of 
the  tree,  she  was  ready  for  the  final  spring  the  instant  ner 
enemy  was  within  a  yard  of  her  person ;  when  a  voice 
startled  all  as  if  it  came  out  of  the  rocks : 

"  Clifford !  coward  1  stand  back  and  face  your  sworn 
enemy." 

The  apparition  was  not  calculated  to  allay  the  sudden 
alarm  of  the  parties ;  though  it  was  a  human  Ibrrn  thai  yt<»;d 


432  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE, 

before  them  and  a  human  voice  that  spoke  to  them.  It  was 
human,  but  dressed  in  bear-skins,  with  a  high  crowned  hat  of 
the  same  material ;  the  face,  rough  with  hair,  seemed  as  if 
the  same  animal  had  provided  the  man  with  a  beard  from  his 
jaws.  Standing  erect  on  the  north  side  of  the  shelf,  the  fig- 
ure confronted  the  three  men,  who  stood  waiting  for  the  next 
movement.  The  Indians  fell  back  to  the  upper  side,  while 
Clifford  moved  to  the  south  extremity  of  the  platform  con- 
fronting his  new  foe.  The  stream  of  water,  shallow  at  the 
time,  ran  between  them  ;  while  the  females  standing  with  their 
backs  to  the  precipice,  were  about  equal  distance  from  the 
two  men,  who  were  already  eying  each  other  as  malignant 
enemies  ever  do,  when  suddenly  brought  face  to  face.  As 
soon  as  Clifford  sufficiently  recovered  himself,  he  demanded 
haughtily: 

"  Who  dares  to  insult  a  king's  officer  on  duty  or  to  inter- 
fere with  the  king's  business  in  any  way  ?  or  what  menial  in 
an  idiot's  garb  has  the  temerity  to  call  Colonel  Clifford  a 
coward." 

"  His  duty  !  the  villain's  duty  !  ha !  ha,  ha  !" 

The  laugh  froze  the  blood  of  even  the  stolid  Indians,  who 
looked  on  as  if  they  had  been  turned  to  stone.  "  Your  duty 
to  employ  a  savage  to  decoy  an  enthusiastic,  artless  maiden 
into  your  toils !  The  child  of  your  best  friend,  the  man  who 
defended  your  black  name  from  eternal  disgrace.  Yoiir 
duty !  to  hunt  after  women  as  tigers  arc  circled  round ! 
Duty!"  and  the  figure  laughed  again  in  scorn,  until  it  seemed 
as  if  the  echoes  were  the  responding  of  the  fiends  from,  the 
pit  of  damnation.  So  voluble  and  full  were  the  answers  from 
up  the  clove  that  Clifford,  though  accustomed  to  scenes  of 
danger,  shrank  from  the  voices  that  called  upon  his  con- 
science to  reply  and  defend  himself  against  those  supersti 
tions  which  were  unmanning  him. 

"  Fool  that  I  am,"  he  burst  out,  "  to  be  foiled  of  my  pur- 
pose by  a  madman,  spook,  or  wizard ;  I  have  heard  of  you 
before.  This  is  too  much,  and  a  dose  of  powder  and  lead 
must  silence  your  gibberish.  See  if  you  are  witch  enough 
to  catch  that  in  your  skull  cap." 

And  with  that  there  was  a  flash  and  a  report.  The  ball 
pierced  the  high  hat  of  the  strange  being,  bringing  it  to  the 
rock ;  and  when  the  smoke  passed  away,  the  soldier  was  wait- 
ing to  see  the  effect  of  his  fire,  when  to  his  utter  amazement 
the  rough  robe  of  the  figure  had  also  dropped  off,  even  to 
his  beard,  and  there,  instead  of  a  maniac,  stood  an  officer  of 


THE   AMPHITHEATBE.  433 

his  majesty's  13th  regiment  of  foot,  in  his  unjress,  fully 
armed  and  equipped  for  battle  ;  all  except  that  his  head  was 
bare.  Great  beads  of  perspiration  broke  out  on  the  brow  of 
Clifford,  while  his  lower  jaw  fell  as  if  smitten  by  death,  and 
his  lips  involuntarily  muttered  "  Calderwood." 

"  Thank  you,  Clifford,  for  that  shot,"  were  the  first  words 
of  the  unveiled  man.  "  See,  here  is  a  better  mark  for  you. 
Aim  at  this  star,  won  by  your  side  on  the  banks  of  the 
Hoogly.  Aim  at  it,  for  it  lies  on  the  heart  you  have  already 
riven  asunder.  Two  full  years  ago,  I  warned  you  of  the 
coming  day  of  vengeance.  It  has  arrived.  There  is  a  just 
God  in  the  heavens." 

At  this  part  of  the  action,  going  on  in  that  lately  solitary 
chamber  of  nature,  the  different  parties  who  had  been  col- 
lecting from  ah1  sides,  were  arriving,  so  as  to  surround  the 
little,  but  perfect  water-fall.  The  ledge  of  the  rock  served 
as  a  stage  on  which  the  main  actors  stood,  while  all  around, 
at  different  points,  were  the  spectators.  Down  the  stream, 
and  looking  upward,  were  the  mock  Indians,  gaping  in  aston- 
ishment. The  Mohawks  stood  on  the  sides  of  the  gulf  like 
statues  of  bronze,  gazing  on  the  marvellous  scene.  The 
officers  on  parole  who  were  in  pursuit  of  game,  came  in  from 
above.  While  Cuffee  and  his  crew  were  perched  like  crows 
on  the  higL  trees  outside  of  all.  They  were  rooks  in  a  gal- 
lery of  nature. 

The  now  unveiled  and  chief  actor  gave  a  glance  of  grirn 
satisfaction  around  him,  saying,  "  One  of  us  must  die.  Surely, 
the  brave  Clifford,  whose  praises  have  been  sungby  the  belies 
of  St.  James,  will  not  show  the  white  feather !  i  ou  coward  1 
you  seducer,  you  ingrate,  can  you  not  be  provoked ;  can  the 
blood  of  the  proud  Clifford  not  start  at  the  epithet  coward !" 

The  petrified  and  quivering  sinner  at  this  leaped  as  it'  he 
had  been  stung,  and  looking  up,  he  cried  with  a  husky  voice, 
"  It  shall  never  be  said  of  Clifford  that  he  feared  death  at  the 
hand  of  any  man  :  I  am  ready." 

The  two  combatants  stood  at  the  extremes  of  that  stage ; 
the  Indians  on  one  side,  and  the  women  on  the  other,  so  that 
the  balls  must  pass  between  them.  Elsie  grasped  her  pistol 
tighter,  for  she  had  a  terrible  purpose  in  her  mind,  in  the 
event  of  one  falling.  Margaret  bent  forward  from  her  seat, 
so  steadily,  that  her  plumes  did  not  quiver ;  but  the  pious 
Angelica  hid  her  face  in  earnest  prayer,  as  she  thought  of  an 
immortal  soul  passing  in  blood  to  the  presence  of  tho  Great 
Jud"-e.  The  red  men  dilated  their  eyes  to  the  utmost,  but 

19 


&34r  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

stood  in  an  evident  transport  of  expectation  that  showed  an 
inward  pleasure,  whatever  might  be  the  result. 

The  deadly  weapons  were  raised  :  a  flash  and  a  report,  and 
a  fall.  It  was  the  conscience-stricken  Clifford.  Calderwood 
ran  forward  with  his  sword  drawn,  for  he  feared  the  treachery 
of  the  deceiver ;  but  he  soon  found  that  it  was  needless,  ibr 
the  ball  had  struck  the  right  arm  below  the  shoulder,  shatter- 
ing the  bone. 

"  I  bargained  for  nothing  less  than  life,"  said  the  enraged 
Calderwood.  Confess  to  be  a  liar  or  die.  The  steel  is  at 
your  throat." 

"  Never !  never !"  was  the  bitter  reply  of  the  vanquished 
but  still  unhumbled  man.  The  foot  of  the  victor  was  on  his 
breast,  and  the  weapon  ready  for  the  last  plunge,  when  it 
was  thrust  aside  by  a  powerful  arm  from  behind.  It  was 
Brandt,  attracted  by  the  reports  of  the  pistols,  and  just  in 
time  to  save  the  life  of  his  companion  in  arms. 


CHAPTER    X. 

FAWN'S  LEAP. 

"  For  my  part  I  would  rather  kiss  the  lips  I  love,  than  dance  with  all  the  graces  of 
Greece,  after  bathing  themselves  in  the  spring  of  Parnassus.  Flesh  and  blood  for  me, 
with  an  angel  in  the  inside." — STEKNE'S  TBAVKLS. 

WHILE  the  grand  tragedy  recorded  in  the  last  chapter  was 
acting,  the  spectators,  as  if  spell-bound,  stood  waiting  the 
issue.  A  common  feeling  of  horror  and  surpiise  pervaded 
all,  It  was  one  of  those  seasons  when  the  mind  grasps 
the  whole  at  a  glance,  the  daring,  the  danger  and  the  sub- 
limity of  the  position  which  the  young  lady  had  taken,  and 
where  she  sat  with  such  grace  and  majesty.  The  other 
figures  in  the  foreground  were  ranged  according  to  their 
place.  But  the  fear  entertained  by  all,  lest  the  fatal  leap 
might  be  taken,  overwhelmed  every  other  emotion. 

Every  one  was  relieved  and  drew  a  deep  breath  when  the 
danger  was  past.  The  villainous  pursuer  had  fallen,  nnd 
they  had  time  to  follow  out  the  doings  of  the  rest.  The 
most  prominent  were  four  men  dressed  in  the  assumed  Indian 


FAWN'S  LEAP.  435 

garb :  one  of  them  without  any  previous  warning,  seized  tho 
vile  Kiskataam  with  a  vigor  and  skill  that  nearly  overcame 
him  at  once.  But  that  traitor  was  no  common  enemy.  The 
savage  saw  that  the  cup  of  death  was  put  to  his  lips  and  he 
resolved  to  sell  his  life  dear,  and  then  enter  the  council  hall 
of  his  fathers  in  company.  So,  measuring  the  gulf  toward 
which  he  was  rolling  in  the  death  grip  of  Bertram,  he  deter- 
mined  to  draw  over  the  young  Englishman  with  him  if  he 
must  fall  himself.  Seeing  that  the  lady  from  her  seat  had 
now  recognized  her  lover,  he  gave  a  fiendish  smile  of  delight 
at  the  agony  she  was  undergoing.  It  seemed  impossible 
to  elude  the  fate  which  the  Indian  aimed  at,  and  which  Ber- 
tram in  his  eagerness  to  punish,  did  not  see.  Like  a  young 
lion  twisted  around  by  a  serpent,  the  sailor  felt  the  coil  about 
his  body,  but  with  a  sailor's  skill,  springing  suddenly  upon 
his  feet,  he  brought  up  the  red  man,  who  received  as  sud- 
denly the  grip  and  throw  of  a  practised  wrestler,  bringing 
him  to  the  hard  rock  with  a  crash  that  made  him  feel  as  it* 
every  bone  in  his  body  was  broken  :  before  he  had  time  to 
recover  his  scattered  senses  he  was  bound  hand  and  foot,  and 
left  lying  on  his  back  with  a  stoical  indifference,  waiting  for 
his  fate,  which  he  saw  was  now  sealed. 

During  these  fierce  combats  the  minds  of  both  Margaret 
and  Elsie  were  wrought  up  to  the  highest  tension.  A 
double  beat  of  the  heart  indeed  was  felt  by  both  as  the  four 
young  men  leaped  on  the  stage  of  action,  disguised  in  thvir 
Indian  garb ;  for  then  they  really  deemed  their  time  had 
come  ;  but  the  quick  eye  of  Elsie  soon  discovered  that  Tvu- 
nis  was  present,  and  she  knew  instinctively  that  he  h;:d 
brought  friends  with  him. 

"  Courage,  my  lady,"  was  her  piercing  whisper,  "  deliver- 
ance has  come  at  last ;  but  let  us  stand  still  till  the  battle  is 
over  and  render  help  if  we  can." 

And  there  they  remained  fixed  till  Kiskataam  \v.-n 
conquered.  Clarence  had  rushed  forward  to  the  tree  on 
which  his  now  agitated  sister  stood,  pale,  as  death.  The 
blood  ran  to  her  heart,  as  she  fell  nearly  fainting  hi  her 
brother's  arms.  Teunis  showed  no  sluggishness  now,  for 
leaping  to  the  side  of  Elsie,  he  grasped  her  round  the  ^aist 
as  if  afraid  of  her  being  taken  from  him,  imprinting  a  kiss 
that  was  not  unheard,  amidst  even  tiiat  tumult,  and  which  she 
returned  as  warmly  ;  but  it  was  followed  by  :is  hard  a  slap  of 
the  hand  on  the  cheek  of  her  lover  which  made  it  glow  a 
whole  ho  ir  afterward. 


436  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  A  pretty  kindereen  you  are,  Teunis,  to  leave  two  nelp 
Jess  Avomen  folks  upon  the  hills." 

'*  Elshie !  Elshie !"  said  the  overwhelmed  Angelica.  "  Ye 
kenen  nae  dat  de  kind  lad  was  liken  to  go  out  of  himself  on 
de  day  dat  he  lost  tee  on  de  hill ;  sae  hold  ty  peace,  and  be 
tankfull  for  all  our  mercies." 

During  this  little  byplay,  which  even  in  the  times  of  the 
greatest  commotion  will  be  played  out,  Bertram  and  Clar- 
ence were  bending  over  Margaret,  who,  soon  recovering 
from  the  shock  of  this  sudden  deliverance,  opened  her  eyes, 
fearfully  looking  into  the  face  of  Bertram,  lest  all  might  be  a 
deception.  The  latter  dropped  a  few  warm  tears  such  as  a 
heroic  heart  will  send  forth  when  love  returns  fond  glances 
as  it  did  here.  The  kiss  of  affection  was  freely  given  to  both 
brother  and  love.r. 

The  guilty  Clifford  sat  where  he  saw  the  whole.  Writh- 
ing in  his  pride  and  remorse,  wounded  and  defeated,  he 
turned  himself  away  from  the  sight,  gnashing  his  teeth  with 
rage  and  pain  like  what  we  may  suppose  Satan  to  have  felt 
when  he  saw  our  first  parents  in  the  midst  of  their  happi- 
ness. 

There  was  a  lull  in  the  tempest,  and  the  late  busy  actors 
were  enjoying  the  benefit  of  the  quiet,  waiting  for  the  com- 
mand of  some  master ;  no  one  exactly  knew  whom,  for  as 
yet  they  had  been  thrown  together  as  by  chance.  An  under- 
hand movement  there  must  have  been,  which  had  succeeded 
it  is  true,  but  the  very  skillfulness  of  the  operator  had  nearly 
undone  the  whole.  An  hour  sooner  or  later  would  have 
changed  the  face  of  things.  The  dangerous  experiment  there- 
fore of  allowing  the  denodment  to  come  out  in  a  public  dis- 
play, was  more  worthy  of  a  playwright  than  of  a  Avise  man, 
who  never  waits  for  a  better  chance,  when  he  has  an  almost 
certain  issue.  The  man  who  arranged  the  plot  might  have 
delivered  these  fugitive  Avornen  a  day  sooner,  but  having 
ulterior  views  of  revenge,  he  tempted  that  Providence,  who, 
notwithstanding  his  rash  folly,  croAvned  his  scheme  with  suc- 
cess. 

CalderAvood,  as  he  was  now  known  to  all,  Avas  in  earnest 
council  with  Brandt,  whose  mind  Avas  evidently  yielding  to 
what  was  presented  to  him.  A  piece  of  parchment,  such  as 
bears  the  commission  of  an  officer  in  the  army  of  Great 
Britain,  Avas  held  out  to  the  Mohawk,  while  the  other  hand, 
with  earnest  gesticulations,  Avas  pointing  to  the  several  parties 
within  sight,  as  if  he  were  expounding  to  the  mind  of  the 


FAWN'S  LEAP.  43  <* 

puzzled  Indian  some  point  of  difficulty.  All  at  once  the  face 
of  the  red  man  shot  forth  a  fierce  light.  He  saw  that  he  had 
been  imposed  upon,  and  coming  forward  to  the  place  where 
Margaret  sat,  still  arrayed  in  her  queenly  robes,  he  smiled 
and  looked  from  her  to  the  eagle  that  perched  above  her  on 
the  tree.  Gazing  on  the  bird,  he  folded  his  arms,  absorbed 
in  thought ;  then  cast  a  glance  at  his  own  form,  which  a 
reader  of  nature  would  have  interpreted  to  mean,  "We  are 
the  true  children  of  the  Great  Spirit." 

"  Does  the  Fawn  wish  her  bird  to  cross  the  big  water 
when  she  goes  to  the  green  fields  of  the  great  Father 
George  ?"  This  was  said  evidently  with  the  intention  of 
drawing  out  something  else  than  a  bare  answer  about  the 
eagle.  * 

"  No,  Great  Chief;  the  bird  shall  be  set  at  liberty  when  I 
go  from  here,  if  my  will  be  law  ;  I  love  England,  and  he 
loves  his  mountain  home.  He  is  screaming  for  his  mate ;  I 
have  found,"  she  was  almost  saying — mine  ;  but  stopping  in 
the  midst  of  the  sentence,  she  sprang  again  into  the  tree,  and 
bidding  Elsie  look,  she  loosened  the  string  that  bound  the  legs 
of  Aurelius,  stroked  his  noble  neck  down  with  her  hand,  while 
he  returned  her  fondness  by  rising  to  his  full  height.  Feel- 
ing himself  at  liberty,  he  rose  on  his  wings,  as  they  spread  at 
their  full  length.  For  a  moment  he  hung  over  the  deep  I'm, 
then  slowly  rising,  he  soared  away  to  his  mountain  home. 

As  he  ascended,  and  until  he  was  nearly  out  of  sight,  not 
a  word  was  spoken  by  any  one,  when  the  Mohawk  turned  on 
Margaret  the  look  of  perfect  approbation,  saying : 

"  The  Fawn  shall  be  Brandt's  sister,  for  her  love  to  his 
brother,  in  setting  him  at  liberty ;  she  will  wear  this,  and  be 
cne  of  the  Mohawk  wise  squaws."  With  that,  as  she  descended, 
ne  put  a  silver  pin  in  her  blanket  robe,  having  a  shell  at- 
attached  to  it.  He  moved  back  to  where  Calderwood  waited 
for  him,  and  as  he  passed  the  place  where  Clifford  sat,  he 
gave  him  one  of  those  looks  of  contempt  which  only  an  In- 
lian  can  put  on. 

"  The  tongue  of  the  big  warrior  folds  in  two,"  said  he. 

The  Fawn  is  the  kid  of  the  king's  Clinton." 

By  this  time  the  true  and  the  disguised  Indians  had  come 
in,  and  were  lying  all  around,  waiting  the  will  of  their  ohiet 
The  hunt  was  past,  and  had  ended  so  entirely  different  from 
the  expectations  of  all,  that  their  minds  were  in  wonder  at 
what  should  next  come  up,  when  suddenly  the  chief  Mohawk 
started  to  his  feet,  and  all  his  tribe  seemed  to  have  nsi.-n  :U 


4-88  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

the  same  moment.  Their  quick  ears  had  discerned  then 
own  war-whoop  swelling  over  the  hills  and  the  glens,  till  it 
reached  them.  Then  came  the  repeated  reports  of  fire-arms, 
declaring  that  a  skirmish  was  taking  place  not  far  off,  which 
demanded  the  presence  of  the  leader.  Brandt,  without 
further  warning,  shouted  his  war-cry,  followed  by  the  united 
voices  of  his  men  around  him,  till  the  rocks  and  the  dells 
sent  back  the  sounds  doubled,  and  redoubled,  as  if  the  de- 
parted spirits  of  ten  thousand  warriors  were  raised  from 
their  slumbers  by  the  call,  to  repeat  the  music  they  loved  so 
well,  once  more  amidst  the  scenes  of  former  glory. 

In  a  moment  Brandt  had  cut  the  bark  that  bound  Kiska- 
taam's  ankles  and  wrists ;  ordering  him  to  his  feet,  he  put 
him  under  a  guard  of  his  own  men,  who  drove  him  off  before 
them  at  full  speed.  Then  pointing  Clifford  to  the  westward, 
he  said,  or  seemed  to  say,  there  is  now  your  only  chance  of 
escape ;  the  bad  man  did  not  hesitate,  for  though  fainting 
through  loss  of  blood,  and  suffering  from  the  spiculce  of 
the  bone  in  the  flesh,  he  was  forced  into  motion.  Leaving 
the  former  companions  of  his  proud  days  more  like  a  pri- 
soner than  a  colonel  of  his  majesty's  troops,  and  the  com- 
mander of  Fort  Niagara.  He  had  no  alternative  but  to  go, 
for  the  looks  of  acorn  and  contempt  that  met  him  withered 
his  soul ;  yet  still,  with  the  proud  step  of  the  soldier,  he 
walked  off  with  the  Mohawk. 

After  the  coast  was  clear,  and  none  were  left  except  the 
Clintons  and  their  attendants,  they  looked  round  on  one 
another,  as  if  a  feeling  of  forsakenness  had  come  over  them, 
and  that  some  one  was  expected  to  take  the  command. 

"  Where  is  our  captain,  Gabriel  ?"  was  the  cry  of  more 
than  one.  That  faithful  follower  had  singled  out,  as  the 
special  object  of  his  vengeance,  the  mean  caitiff,  Shan- 
daagan,  whose  fear  had  early  in  the  fray  got  the  mastery  of 
his  desires.  While  the  attention  of  the  company  were  en- 
gaged by  the  conflict  between  the  sailor  and  the  chief,  the 
parasite  minion  slunk  away  behind  the  scenes,  taking  the  bed 
of  the  stream  as  his  road  of  retreat.  Gabriel,  who  perceived 
his  motions,  and  knew  him  of  old,  pursued  after  him  in  hot 
Uaste.  The  Indian,  who  knew  the  path  better  than  the  pale 
face,  and  who  had  not  endured  quite  so  much  fatigue  as  the 
other,  was  soon  out  of  sight,  leaving  the  crest-fallen  Sopuso- 
nian  without  a  laurel  to  carry  away  of  this  great  victory. 

"  We  are  about  moving,"  said  Bertram,  "  and  tvere  be 
ginning  to  fear  that  the  cannibals  had  eaten  you  up.  '  Better 


A  BRIDGE   OF   GOLD   FOE   AN   ENEMY*S   RETREAT.       439 

the  end  of  a  feast  than  the  beginning  of  a  fight.'  You  know 
the  glutton's  proverb." 

"  Yes,  sir,  but  not  the  maxim  that  rules  you,  judging  from 
the  hearty  good  will  with  which  you  encountered  that  red 
rascal.  But  hark !  there  is  the  Dominie  and  his  congregated 
troops,  on  the  rear  of  the  Mohawk.  Gracious  heaven,  there 
must  be  hot  work  there,  if  guns  speak  the  truth  to-day." 

"I  am  off,"  said  Teunis,  "to  help  the  Dominie.  He 
helped  me  and  mine,  and  Martin  Schuyler  is  one  of  the 
captives." 

"  I  will  lose  an  arm  in  his  defence,"  said  Clarence.  "  Brave 
soul  that  he  is,  with  all  his  oddity." 

"And  I  am  with  you,"  said  Gabriel.  "Let  the  sailor 
navigate  the  ship  now.  Carry  your  passengers  to  port, 
Elsie  will  be  your  pilot ;  and  let  us  all  meet,  if  we  can  settle 
this  affair,  at  the  Flat  Rock,  before  sundown." 


CHAPTER  XI. 

A   BRIDGE   OF   GOLD   FOR   AN  ENEMY'S  RETREAT. 

•*  A  wolf  peeping  into  a  hut  where  a  company  were  regaling  themselves  with  a  Joint  of 
Button,  exclaimed :  '  0  Lord,  what  a  clamour  these  men  would  have  raised  had  they 
caught  me  at  such  a  banquet.' "— jEsop. 

THE  plan  adopted  by  the  Dominie's  party  had  been  scrupu- 
lously carried  'out,  and  at  the  same  time  so  secretly,  that  not 
a  rumor  of  their  approach  had  reached  the  camp  of  the  Mo- 
hawks. Their  reverend  leader  had  two  objects  in  his  inind  : 
Firstly,  as  he  would  have  said  himself,  to  prevent  any  com- 
munication between  the  North  and  the  South  through 
Brandt's  aid.  It  was  reported  that  the  lady  spy  was  a  young 
man  in  woman's  apparel,  who  had  succeeded  in  making  his 
escape  by  the  way  of  the  Round  Top.  Every  member  of  the 
Consistory  present  said  "  he  must  be  prevented."  "  The  he 
jade,"  said  the  roused  pastor;  "  we  must  skin  her  this  time." 

"  Ay.-,  aye,  minister,"  said  Grant ;  "  skin  for  skin,  as  the 
Scripture  says ;  and  fegs,  sir,  your  name  is  Skinniman ;  but 
it's  no  easy  putten  saut  on  a  mouse's  tail." 

*'  We  must  keep  the  rascal  from  getting  on  board  the  ship: 
and  secondly,  my  brethren,  deliverance  of  the  captives.  If 


440  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

we  can  drive  the  savages  back,  well  and  good  after  that ;  let 
us  try." 

There  were  some  who  insinuated  concerning  the  officers  on 
parole,  as  if  they  were  on  a  pretended  hunt ;  but  the  Domi- 
nie would  not  allow  a  word  to  be  spoken  against  their  honor  ; 
and  when  any  one  whispered  suspicion  of  Clarence,  the  good 
man  got  so  angry  that  all  were  glad  to  hold  their  peace  ex- 
cept Mat  Van  Deusen,  who  wanted  to  know  more  of  those 
"  paper  things  that  had  such  power." 

As  to  Clarence,  who  did  not  appear  till  the  close  of  the 
chase,  there  was-  before  him  a  daring  course,  which  he  did 
not  hesitate  to  pursue.  He  entered  into  the  circle  that  morn- 
ing, resolved  to  follow  the  chief  robber,  and  either  thwart 
him  or  die.  The  attention  of  Clifford  was  early  arrested  to  the 
movements  of  his  mysterious  countryman.  'The  experienced 
soldierly  air  of  the  youth,  who  held  his  head  up  so  firmly,  and 
the  manner  in  which  he  stepped  from  stone  to  turf,  put  him  on 
the  alert.  Perhaps  the  features  of  Clarence  might  recall  an 
image  discovered  by  his  conscience  of  late  in  his  dreams: 
a  face  which  he  was  impelled  to  follow,  though  it  spoke  of 
vengeance.  Once  he  was  upon  the  point  of  demanding  of 
Clarence  who  he  was,  and  why  he  followed,  him,  when  some 
call  in  the  chase  diverted  him  from  his  present  aim.  \Vlirn 
the  hunters  made  their  first  stop,  the  two  did  not  meet  in  the 
bed  of  the  cascade.  During  the  second  part  of  the  chase, 
Clarence  was  not  so  successful  in  keeping  Clifford  in  view. 
That  wily  sinner  had  more  persons  to  watch  than  one.  The> 
two  Indians,  Kiskataam  and  his  foil,  had  made  a  sudden  tr.rn 
around  the  corner  of  a  rock,  and  being  suspicious  of  treachery 
during  these  two  days  past,  Clifford  followed  them  at  full 
speed,  coming  up  to  them  just  in  time  to  take  the  captive  out 
of  their  hands,  and  to  meet  his  own  reward.  When  Clifford 
and  Clarence  did  meet,  it  was  to  scowl  that  fierce  frown, 
which  proud  men,  whether  victors  or  defeated,  send  out  upon 
each  other,  when  hate  burns  freely,  but  which  passed  over 
Clarence's  face  the  moment  he  saw  his  sister  safely  out  of  the 
traitor's  hands. 

The  division  under  Van  Vechten  fell  back,  so  as  to  release 
t»-e  captives  taken  off  by  force  from  the  Vlatts,  while  that 
under  Salisbury  drew  away  to  the  west,  so  as  to  intercept  the 
Mohawk  on  his  retreat.  The  moment  he  perceived  the 
treachery  of  Clifford,  and  found  out  that  Miss  Clinton,  whom 
they  had  been  waiting  for  so  long,  was  not  the  daughter  of 
the  rebel  Clint.on,  but  of  the  great  soldier,  his  men  WC.TO 


A   BRIDGE   OF   GOLD   FOR   AN   ENEMY'S   RETREAT.       441 

ordered  to  the  west  through  Katrina  Montour's  country. 
The  red  men,  impatient  of  delay,  were  already  on  the  road, 
and  their  chief  only  remaining  behind  that  his  mind  might  be 
fully  satisfied,  when  the  war-whoop  of  his  tribe  was  sounded 
with  the  nona — retreat. 

Salisbury,  who  had  posted  his  men  on  the  side  of  a  rising 
ground,  which  looked  to  the  southwest,  lay  down,  quietly 
waiting  the  van  of  the  enemy.  The  orders  were,  "  do  not 
rise  till  the  party  has  passed  at  least  half  through ;  then  take 
huii  in  the  flank.  Keep  your  ears  open  for  the  word." 

The  Dominie,  who  came  up  to  this  party,  after  surveying 
their  position,  insisted  that  the  space  before  them  gave  the 
Indians  too  good  a  chance  for  keeping  clear  of  the  ambus- 
cade, and  that  they  would  be  discovered  before  the  main 
body  came  forward.  "  I  am  for  giving  the  scoundrels  a 
bridge  of  gold  to  retreat  by,  but  not  quite  so  wide  as  that." 
The  reverend  pastor  was  right.  Some  impatient,  undis- 
ciplined militia-man  gave  aloud  call  to  a  comrade  just  as  the 
Indians  were  turning  the  angle  of  the  hill,  when  a  pause  was 
ordered,  and  a  wide  sweep  taken  ;  skulking  among  the  trees 
and  by  the  knolls,  Salisbury  ordered  one  volley,  but  the  bul- 
lets fell  short  of  the  aim.  The  rest  was  a  scattering  fight, 
with  the  exception  of  a  show  of  battle  ;  but  when  Brandt  him- 
self came  up,  the  skirmish  was  a  mere  frolic.  The  moment 
that  chief  appeared,  the  blood  of  the  Dominie  rose  so  that 
it  took  all  the  force  of  the  company  to  restrain  him. 

"  Let  me  alone  if  you  will  not  help.  Don't  you  see  the 
heathen  tiger  there,  how  he  stalks  before  us,  with  as  much 
assurance  as  Goliath  did  with  his  greaves  of  brass  and  his 
weaver's  beam.  Let  me  give  him  one  stone  at  least,  I  tell  you, 
from  the  back  of  that  tree  on  the  other  side  of  the  valley.  I 
may  bring  him  down  and  revenge  the  country  for  the  blood 
he  has  shed  at  Cherry  Valley  and  Wyoming." 

**  Yes,  but  Dominie,  he  will  send  that  tomahawk  oi  liis 
through  your  skull  before  you  load  again ;  and  you  are  t,oo 
heavy  to  run  fast."  This  was  said  by  the  captain,  \\itii  a 
sly  wink  to  the  rest. 

"  Stop  there,  you  bloody  pagan,  till  I  get  one  shot  at  you," 
shouted  out  the  earnest  man  ;  and  with  that  he  let  fly,  but 
his  mark  had  a  tree  between  him  and  the  muzzle  bei'ore  the 
trigger  was  drawn.  Well  was  it  for  him,  for  the  aroused 
minister  was  a  good  shot,  and  the  ball  sank  into  the  trunk  oi 
the  tree.  Brandt,  to  show  that  he  did  not  despise  tin-  black 
t?oat  and  cocked  hat,  came  out  suddenly  and  returned  th.j 

Ifl* 


442  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

fire,  »)  that  the  bullet  whizzed  over  the  mark,  but  without 
injury. 

"  Come  out  from  that,  you  skulking  red-skinned  mur- 
derer," the  Dominie  roared  out  at  the  full  pitch  of  his  voice, 
"  and  let  me  have  as  good  a  chance,  and  see  if  you  ever 
reach  the  Mohawk  flats  again." 

By  this  time  the  Indians  had  succeeded  in  finding  theii 
way  by  the  bed  of  the  stream  that  runs  by  the  foot  of  the 
hill,  and  it  would  have  been  folly  to  follow,  more  especially 
as  all  the  prisoners,  with  the  exception  of  Elder  Abiel  and 
his  son,  had  been  recaptured  by  the  reserve  under  the  com- 
mand  of  Grant.  That  eccentric  mortal,  on  the  watch  for  a 
chance  to  distinguish  himself,  came  upon  the  enemy's  rear  at 
the  time  of  the  surprise  produced  by  the  sudden  appearance 
of  Salisbury,  and  carried  off  Martin  Schuyler,  with  others,  in 
triumph.  The  guard  set  over  the  captives  were  some  of 
their  disguised  neighbors,  who,  justly  dreading  the  wrath 
which  would  come  on  them,  now  that  their  cause  was  lost, 
ran  in  double  quick  time  away  from  vengeance. 

"  Tak  care  o'  thae  puir  captives  there,"  Grant  roared  out, 
"  a  deel's  dozen  o'  you ;  let  the  rest  o'  you  follow  me  after 
thae  fause  guissards,  deceitful  loons  that  they  are.  Were  I 
but  within  ten  yards  o'  them,  if  I  would  na  pepper  their 
doups  for  them — 'Dredge  their  drodem,'  as  my  granny, 
honest  woman,  used  to  say." 

All  this  time  the  big  brawny  fellow  was  running  at  the 
head  of  his  party,  uttering  all  kinds  of  speeches  against  the 
heads  and  hearts  of  the  renegades  before  him,  till  he  got  as 
near  to  some  of  them  as  was  safe  for  himself,  he  being  actu- 
ally alone,  when  there  were  half  a  dozen  of  the  terrified  false 
faces  turned  upon  him  in  desperation.  For  the  time  he  for- 
got that  a  mean  fox,  when  earthed  in  his  hole,  will  snarl  and 
bite  the  largest  mastiff.  One  figure,  who  turned  out  to  be 
the  town  tailor,  wheeling  round  in  terror,  plunged  a  knife  into 
the  fleshy  part  of  the  Scotchman's  arm,  and  nearly  succeeded 
in  giving  Grant  his  last  lesson. 

'"  You  miserable  neer-do-weel,"  said  Grant,  "  is  that  the 
way  you  meet  your  neebors  in  the  woods  that  have  come 
sae  far,  and  at  sic  expense,  to  see  you  ?" 

So  taking  the  frightened  artist  by  the  nape  of  the  neck 
and  the  seat  of  his  breeches,  he  shook  him  with  a  force 
which  made  his  teeth  chatter  and  his  eyes  to  start  out  ol 
their  sockets.  , 

"  Tak  that,  you  limpin  limb  o'  hungry  humanity,  and  se» 


A  BRIDGE   OF   GOLD   FOE   AN   ENEMY'S   RETREAT.       443 

if  yon  can  learn  to  behave  yoursel  at  hame  instead  of  hero, 
she  wen  your  campsie  grey  claith."  And  with  that  ho 
renewed  the  shake,  till  the  tailor,  in  an  ague  fit  of  horror  that 
Tiade  every  hair  stand  on  end,  screamed  out : 

"  Mercy,  mercy,  Hughie  Grant ;  let  me  go,  and  I'll  he  as 
true  a  Whig  as  ever  breathed,  all  my  life  long." 

"  Mercy,  indeed,"  said  the  other,  "  after  you've  tried  to 
put  that  whittle  up  to  the  heft  in  my  brisket  bane.  You  see 
by  that  bluid  rinnin  there  what  your  bodkin  has  done,  you 
fause  loon.  I'll  tear  the  garment  aff  you,  as  Ahijah  did  the 
son  o'  Jeroboam,  and  send  you  hame  to  clip  the  tails  aff 
lice." 

And  with  that  he  put  his  great  fingers  up  to  the  throat  of 
the  tailor,  stripping  him  from  head  to  heel  of  all  his  Indian 
garb,  then  taking  whatever  steel  was  in  the  dress,  he  left  him 
to  buckle  on  what  was  left  of  it,  while  he  ran  in  search  of 
other  renegades. 

But  it  was  every  man  for  himself  there  on  that  day.  The 
place  was  favorable  for  hiding,  arid  the  few  that  were  caught 
were  punished  on  the  spot,  if  worth  punishment,  or  suffered 
to  run  out  of  the  way,  lest  they  should  know  them  and  be 
obliged  to  notice  who  they  were.  Some  followed  in  the  trail 
of  Brandt,  afraid  to  return. 

On  Grant's  going  back  to  his  party,  he  met  the  Elder 
Abiel,  together  with  his  son,  walking  westward  at  full  speed, 
as  if  retreating.  The  Scotchman,  confounded  at  the  sight, 
came  up  to  them,  saying,  in  his  broadest  style  of  speech : 

"  Whare  the  warl  are  you  gaun  noo,  Mr.  Abiel  ?  One 
might  think  you  had  got  eneuch  o'  the  hill,  by  this  time,  to 
mak'  you  turn  your  face  the  ither  way." 

"  I  am  running  after  Brandt,"  said  the  old  man,  sorrow- 
fully. "  I  am  afraid  I  shall  not  get  up  to  him.  David,  here, 
will  follow  me,  though  he  is  not  obliged  to  go.  See  if  you 
can  get  him  to  return  back  with  you.  We  can  be  both  ill 
spared  from  home  in  these  times." 

"  What  does  this  mean  ?"  the  Scotchman  cried  out, 
scarcely  comprehending  what  he  heard.  "  Are  you  gaen  ley  *1 
Tell  me,  Dauvit,  for  you  seem  to  have  some  sense  left."1 

Abiel's  son,  to  whom  this  appeal  was  made,  sai  1,  iu  a 
grouty  way,  that  the  whole  company  had  had  the  chance  of 
escaping  that  morning,  had  it  not  been  for  his  father. 

"When  I  awakened,"  said  lie,  "the  Mohawks  were  asleep 
every  man  of  them,  their  arms  all  stacked  against  a  tree.  I 
whispered,  now  is  our  time,  when  dad  just  raised  his 


444  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

looking  round,  and,  as  he  lay  down,  said,  he  wo  aid  not  do 
that  for  all  King  George's  dominions.  Some  nice  freak  of 
what  he  calls  honor.  For  all  that,  where  he  goes  I  go, 
though  it  should  be  to  the  gallows." 

"  David,"  said  the  Elder,  "  do  not  speak  in  that  way,  else 
I  will  command  you  to  return.  Here  is  the  Dominie  coming, 
I  will  leave  it  to  him." 

That  earnest  leader  of  the  camp  of  Israel  had,  after  his 
own  personal  combat  with  the  big  Mohawk,  all  but  forced 
Salisbury  and  his  party  back  from  pursuing  the  enemy. 
Though  his  own  blood  was  so  hot  that  he  was  ready  to  meet 
Brandt,  or  anything  else  on  the  open  field,  he  was  too  cautious 
a  man  not  to  see  the  folly  and  the  danger  of  attempting  to  in- 
tercept or  pursue  an  Indian  army,  under  such  a  leader,  far 
into  the  wilds.  For  with  all  this  prudence,  he  had  no  small 
idea  of  his  own  knowledge  of  military  affairs,  derived  from 
an  extensive  reading  in  ancient  and  modern  history,  which  lie 
was  apt  to  quote  a  little  too  freely,  and  in  the  drcum- 
tances  of  the  times — laughably. 

He  was  laying  down  the  laws  of  war  to  Salisbury  in  his 
loudest  tones,  with  his  usually  violent  gestures ;  the  latter 
impatiently  listening  to  what  he  thought  he  knew  better  than 
the  reverend  soldier.  As  they  both  came  along  side  by  side, 
they  were  seen  by  the  others  who  were  waiting  for  them. 
The  Dominie,  in  no  hurry  now,  riding  as  he  was,  a  favorite 
hobby,  came  on  striding  over  the  narrow  bridle  path — for  he 
was  what  jockeys  call,  a  wide  traveller — stopping  every  tenth 
step,  putting  his  broad  body  in  the  irritated  captain's  way, 
who  had  been  robbed  of  a  share  in  the  laurels  won. 

"Kou  see,  Billy,  you  were  nearly  caught  in  the  woods  like 
Absalom :  you  and  your  men  would  have  been  cats'  meat  to 
these  savages.  You  see,  Billy,  when  the  Trojans  and  the 
Greeks  fought  with  each  other,  the  one  had  the  goddess  of 
wisdom,  Minerva,  on  their  side,  and  the  other,  Mars.  Had  I 
gone  with  you,  then  it  would  have  had  these  two,  and  we 
might,  with  God's  help,  as  I  always  write  on  all  my  prescrip- 
tions, have  prevailed.  But,  Billy,  I  could  not  do  anything 
without  your  arm;  nor  could  you  do  without  my  counsel." 

"  That  may  all  be  true,  Dominie,"  said  the  person  lectured ; 
"  but  when  a  man  is  taunted  with  cowardice,  be  is  willing  to 
throw  all  ou  the  chance  of  proving  his  courage." 

"  Poh !  is  it  there  where  the  pain  lies  ?  You  are  no  coward 
man,  if  that  will  please  you  ;  and  that  you  have  not  had  Ulys- 
ses by  your  side,  is  not  your  fault.  You  are  Hector 


A  BBIDGE  OF  GOLD  FOE  AN  ENEMY'S  BET  BEAT    445 

only  had  you  but  chosen  that  narrow  passage  on  this  side 
of  where  you  planted  your  men,  you  could  have  riddled  those 
red  skins,  so  that  they  would  have  fiillen  like  the  soldiers  of 
Xerxes  at  the  straits  of  Thermopylffi ;  and  we  would  have 
hailed  you  like  another  Leonidas  this  day,  bearing  you  back 
on  our  shields  in  triumph.  That  would  have  been  something 
to  be  proud  of.  But  what  have  we  here  ?  My  own  honest- 
brother,  Elder  Abiel,  once  more  free !  God  be  praised,  that 
our  war  has  not  been  in  vain.  We  shall  have  a  day  of  thanks- 
giving for  this  blessing,  were  it  for  nothing  else.  My  right 
arm  is  restored  to  me." 

"  Nae  sae  fast,  minister,"  said  Grant ;  "  the  Elder  says  that 
he  is  on  his  way  to  Neaugra.  He's  neither  to  haud  nor 
to  bind,  willy  illy." 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  this?"  was  the  really  anxious 
inquiry  of  the  Dominie,  who  feared  that  the  mind  of  his 
friend  had  suffered  in  his  captivity.  "  Surely  you  cannot  bo 
so  taken  up  with  a  heathen's  company,  that  you  should  prefer 
it  to  the  fellowship  of  the  saints." 

The  Elder  only  shook  his  head,  for  his  heart  was  full. 
David,  his  son,  took  it  up  by  saying  that  his  "  father  had 
taken  it  into  his  head,  that  he  was  bound  in  honor  to  Brandt, 
for  some  kindness  he  had  shown  to  him,  and  he  was  now  on 
the  road  to  offer  himself  up." 

"  Let  us  hear,"  was  the  alarmed  Dominie's  words,  "  what 
is  that  point  of  honor  that  makes  you  so  sensitive  ;  for  it  must 
be  very  clear  and  strong  before  I  will  consent  to  such  a  loss 
as  Garret  Abiel.  Our  labor  and  our  blood  must  not  be  thrown 
away  in  vain  " 

Grant,  who  had  been  impatiently  waiting  for  a  chance  to 
put  in  a  word,  hastened  here  to  say,  "  that's  true,  minister  ;  I 
am  for  carrying  the  Elder  back.  We  are  strong  enough,  a'  hands 
of  us,  and  though  we  read  in  the  second  book  of  Samuel, 
the  twentieth  chapter,  and  the  aughteenth  verse,  if  I'm  n:i 
mistaon,  that  they  were  wont  to  speak  in  old  times,  saying 
'  they  will  surely  ask  counsel  of  Abel,'  and  so  they  ended  the 
matter  ;  I'm  thinkin'  it  was  na  this  Elder  Abiel,  for  they  wi-ru 
not  sae  foolish  as  to  put  themsels  into  the  hands  of  the  Plu'l- 
istines." 

The  Dominie  who  stood  perfectly  confounded  at  the  posi- 
tion, of  the  Elder's  affairs,  looked  Grant  .in  the  face  all  ili«- 
time  he  spoke,  seemingly  thinking  on  something  else,  and 
not  conscious  of  anything  that  was  said  by  the  Scot,  i*t  the 


446  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

close  drew  a  long  breath,  repeating  his  own  words,  "  all  out 
labor  in  vain,  and  what  a  loss !" 

"Yes,  minister,  I've  just  been  reflecten,"  said  Grant,  "  that 
this  wee  fecht  o'  ours  is  waur  to  us  than  the  battle  o'  the 
Shirra  muir  was ;  whare  a  neebur  o'  my  toon  lost  his  farther 
and  his  mither,  and  a  gude  braid  swourd  that  was  worth 
them  baith.  What  think  you  o'  that  ?" 

The  good  man  smiled.  In  other  circumstances  he  would 
have  laughed  aloud  ;  but  turning  to  the  Elder,  he  desired  a 
full  account  of  his  pledge  given  to  the  Mohawk ;  which  when 
he  he.'iri,  he  sighed  and  said : 

"I  am  sorry  ;  and  I  am  rejoiced.  We  must  part  for  th< 
present.  Such  honor  is  not  seen  but  in  the  true-hearted  ;  and 
God  shall  reward  it.  Proud  am  I  this  day.  Your  example 
will  weigh  heavier  than  the  hills  ;  and  what  is  best  of  all,  GUI 
good  Dutch  Church  is  represented  in  you  this  day,  and  the 
fame  thereof  will  go  far  among  the  Gentiles  even  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth." 

The  Elder  here  held  out  his  hand  firmly,  which  die  Domi- 
nie grasped,  taking  off  his  hat  as  all  did,  feeling  that  an  act 
of  devotion  was  to  follow ;  for  the  good  pastor  poured  out 
a  most  fervent  prayer,  ending  with  the  apostolic  benediction 
in  Dutch :  De  genade  onzes  Heeren  Jesus  Christus  zij  met 
uwen  geest !  Amen." 

"  Now,  David,  see  that  you  watch  over  your  old  father  ; 
and  watch  every  chance  for  escape.  Don't  forget  your  cate- 
chism, and  the  canons.  There  is  a  copy  for  you  ;  have  it  all 
on  your  tongue's  end,  when  you  come  back ;  and  you  can 
read  the  marriage  service  now  and  then,  and  I'll  join  Susy 
Myers  and  you  together.  Keep  up  a  good  spirit." 

"  Oh,  yes,"  said  Grant,  wrho  was  always  ready,  "  a  stoot 
heart  to  a  stay  brae ;  faint  heart  never  gained  fair  lady." 

The  two  companions  parted  here,  the  Abiels  with  a  white 
handkerchief  on  the  top  of  a  pole  as  a  flag  of  truce  in  case 
of  accidents  on  the  way  to  the  camp  of  the  Indians,  and  the 
Dominie  to  the  Flat  Rock,  where  ail  were  gathering  prepara- 
tory to  thpir  descent  down  the  mountain  side.  Already  the 
chief  persons  were  assembled,  and  waiting  the  decision  ot 
some  controlling  power.  Bertram  arid  Clarence,  agrecablj 
to  their  intentions  at  the  outset  of  their  adventure,  had 
with  the  assistance  of  Gabriel  kindled  three  fires,  south  of 
the  pine  orchard,  as  the  signal  of  success  to  the  ship  that 
lay  along  the  si  ^re  waiting.  Just  at  the  moment  when  thw 


A   BRIDGE   OF   GOLD   FOR  AN    ENEMY'S   ItETREAT.        441 

Dominie  had  reached  the  verge  of  the  cliff  and  looked  to. 
ward  the  inoon  there  came  forth  the  reverberations  of  can 
non  thrice  repeated,  as  answers  to  the  flame  that  rose  from 
their  fires.  Then  came  up  as  many  Roman  candles,  burning 
clear,  and  shooting  out  sparks  brilliant  as  star  dust.  These 
attracted  the  different  classes  to  whom  the  sight  of  fireworks 
was  a  new  thing. 

By  and  by,  when  all  supposed  these  rejoicings  over  for  the 
time,  lights  of  different  colors  were  seen  to  spread  fron 
prow  to  stern  of  the  ship,  till  she  seemed  to  stand  out  upon 
the  darkened  sky,  a  fiery  image  of  some  terrible  being, 
ready  to  mount  on  wings.  They  who  were  ignorant  of  how 
all  that  was  produced  stood  in  amazement,  not  unmixed  with 
terror.  The  name  of  that  vessel  was  one  that  created  fuar 
all  along  the  river ;  and  recent  occurrences  had  not  served 
to  allay  these  fears.  The  Clintons,  however,  saw  in  that 
brilliant  object,  the  signal  of  joyful  enthusiasm  in  which  th.3 
whole  ship's  crew  united  as  one  man. 

"  I  can  hear,"  said  Bertram,  "  their  hearty  cheers ;  I  am 
sure  of  it.  The  voices  of  four  hundred  men  can  be  heard 
that  short  distance.  There  again." 

"You  imagine,  Cousin  Bertram,"  was  Clarence's  cooler 
word.  "  You  may  as  well  say  that  you  see  them  ;  but  by 
George  I  do  see  them  crowding  the  deck.  There,  take  the 
glass  and  see  for  yourself." 

"  I  see  no  men,"  said  the  sailor,  who  looked  with  a  sea- 
man's eye;  "but  there,.!  see  our  initials  hung  out  hi  ilaiu- 
ing  characters,  B.  M.  C." 

The  other  companies  viewed  the  illuminated  vessel  with 
different  feelings,  and  it  would  not  serve  any  good  purpose 
to  record  these  in  detail.  The  Dominie  was  impatient  to 
be  gone,  as  the  next  day  was  the  Sabbath,  and  he  must  be 
at  his  post.  As  many  as  chose  to  encamp  for  the  night,  had 
the  opportunity,  as  the  booths  erected  by  Brandt's  army 
still  stood,  and  the  embers  still  smoldered  on  the  lire-places, 
where  they  had  been  burning  during  the  week. 

"But  for  my  part,"  said  the  stout-hearted  minister,  "I 
would  rather  be  in  my  own  roost  beside  my  careful  hen, 
than  lie  here  under  the  stars  high  above  my  head,  where  the 
hawk  and  the  eagle  have  their  nest  so  near  me.  Let  [toots 
say  what  they  please  of  such  sublimities." 

Grant  as  usual  put  his  word  in,  saying:  "Aw  might  f-up 
pose  when  they  hear  you  preach,  that  the  higher  up  u<-.n 


448  THE   DUTCH    DOMES1E. 

the  nearer  to  that  terrible  crystal,  the  better  for  the  health 
o'  the  spirit.  That's  to  say  \vhen  you  get  into  your  taim- 
drurus." 

"  All  true,  Grant,  and  proper  enough  to  be  said  at  the 
right  time,  but  I  hope,"  and  here  the  good  man's  voice 
quivered  a  little,  "  I  hope  I  may  die  in  my  nest ;  I  have  no 
wish  just  at  this  moment  to  mount  to  heaven  from  this  foot- 
stool. You  captains  must  lead  the  men  home  according  to 
your  best  wisdom.  I  shall  leave  my  nag  here  for  the  use  of 
the  yoimg  lady ;  I  can  get  one  at  the  bottom  of  the  hill 
from  Hanshee  Goetchius." 

With  this  the  Dominie  left.  Tom  had  been  sent  away  an 
hour  before  with  orders  to  go  straight  to  the  parsonage,  so 
that  all  might  be  in  readiness  there  for  strangers.  Another 
messenger  had  been  sent  secretly  to  the  ship  so  that  nothing 
remained  but  to  finish  what  had  so  far  made  such  good 
progress. 

"  Where  did  you  leave  your  master,  you  cowardly  scoun- 
drel," was  the  first  salutation  of  the  anxious  Yfvrow,  "  that 
you  have  come  skulking  home  like  a  fox  that  has  lost  its  tail 
in  a  trap  ?" 

"  Leab  massa  I"  was  Tom's  astonished  answer.  "  Me 
neber  leab  massa ;  him  leab  Tom  shooting  de  big  Indian  and 
King  Cufiee.  He  !  he  !  he !» 

Whether  it  was  Tom  or  the  Dominie  that  shot  Brandt, 
she  could  not  make  out  to  this  day ;  but  this  did  not  prevent 
her  ordering  a  couple  of  sheep,  and  fowls  in  proportion,  to 
be  killed,  so  that  she  might  be  prepared  for  a  company, 
"like  another  Abigail,"  as  Grant  said. 


CHAPTER   XII. 


TEAKS      A  >~  D      SMILES. 


•The  joy  of  grief." 

OSSIAS. 


TOWARDS  midnight,  under  the  guidance  of  Teunis,  the 
whole  party  found  their  way  to  the  parsonage.  On  the  road, 
old  Martin,  in  the  gratitude  of  his  heart,  yielded  to  the  plea 


TEAKS   AND   SMILES.  449 

of  the  Tory's  son ;  and  Elsie,  in  the  warmth  of  her  long-cher- 
ished afiection,  consented  to  be  a  bride  on  the  next  day.  "It 
would,"  she  said,  "  make  Miss  Clinton  so  happy  before  they 
parted." 

Agreeably  to  the  command  of  the  Dominie,  the  two  maid- 
ens were  put  under  the  charge  of  the  'Yfvrow,  who,  with 
true  maternal  prudence,  merely  kissed  them  both,  bidding 
them  good-night  in  the  sleeping  chamber  to  wnich  she  con- 
veyed them.  Their  sleep  was  that  of  youth  and  health,  :iik-r 
undergoing  perils  on  the  heights,  perils  in  depths,  and  perils 
in  the  wilderness.  Weary  and  overcome  with  their  exertion 
of  body  and  of  mind,  they  had  sunk  into  a  deep  slumber, 
which  continued  till  the  sun  was  far  up  in  the  heavens.  Mar- 
garet dreamed  all  night  of  the  dangers  and  of  the  deliverances 
of  the  past  week :  the  one  class  ot'  images  mingling  so  with 
the  other,  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  have  disentwined 
them.  A  prominent  figure  in  the  foreground  was  an  eagle 
that  grew  in  her  sight  large  as  a  ship  ;  its  wings  spreading  out 
till  they  became  sails,  by  which  the  vessel  moved  fleetly  on 
the  waves,  as  she  had  seen  a  sea-gull  playing  in  a  storm.  On 
the  head  of  the  glorious  creature  was  a  brilliant  jewel 
that  glowed  like  a  crown  of  bright  flame.  All  round  the 
points  of  the  wings  were  lamps  that  hung  like  lambent  fringes, 
and  were  so  soft,  that  though  she  had  taken  a  seat  between 
these  wings,  the  fire  did  not  scorch  her  in  the  least,  as  the 
eagle  sailed  down  the  broad  river,  with  Bertram  on  one 
side  and  Clarence  on  the  other;  guiding  their  ship  as  they 
might  a  chariot  of  fire  on  the  land,  which  went  as  she  willed. 
It  was  sometimes  land,  and  then  water.  All  at  once  the  ves- 
sel, winged  as  it  was,  hung  over  the  gulf  below  the  Falls, 
where  they  had  found  refuge.  The  spars  seemed  so  fine.  :ui<l 
the  hull  so  transparent,  that  the  appearance  was  more  ma-.ricul 
than  real.  The  ropes  were  threads  of  yellow  light,  and  the 
waving  ensign,  a  sheet  of  red  flame,  as  the  ground,  on  wl:'n-li 
were  intermingled  the  lion  of  England  among  united  slurs. 
At  that  instant,  in  her  sleep,  she  heard  a  cry,  and  saw  lu-r 
cruel  enemy  near  her  on  the  height  above.  Here  she  leaped 
into  the  airy  ship,  and  sailed  away  above  the  clouds,  wl;< -n 
the  joyful  sailors  fired  off  their  artillery,  giving  out  cheers  of 
gladness  and  continued  huzzus. 

At  this  moment  the  enraptured  maiden  awoke  ;  nor  was  it 
all  a  dream.  Some  of  th«  youthful  crew  outside,  noisy  in  liu-ii 
mirth,  Sabbath  though  it  was,  were  celebrating  the  event* 
which  gave  the  eHer  portion  of  the  population  such  pleasure. 


450  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

They  had  succeeded  in  firing  off  a  small  canon,  which  of 
itself  was  a  great  feat,  and  worthy  of  their  vocal  music.  The 
two  young  women,  recovering  their  scattered  senses,  looked 
in  each  other's  faces  and  smiled.  Margaret  calmly  kissed 
her  friend,  as  tears  filled  the  eyes  of  both — tears  of  gratitude 
to  God  and  of  love  for  one  another. 

"  We  are  here  and  safe,"  said  Elsie ;  "  let  us  thank 
the  Great  Deliverer,  and  be  ready  for  whatever  else  may 
come." 

"And  next  to  him  who  has  delivered  me,  I  owe  all  to  my 
dear  Elsie,  who  took  her  life  in  her  hand  for  me,  a  stranger, 
and  the  daughter  of  one  who  is  the  " 

"  Say  no  more  of  that,  Miss  Clinton ;  there  is  a  Providence 
which  overrules  all  these  events ;  and  now  that  tlmy  are 
transpired,  I  would  not  have  them  in  a  different  form  than 
they  are  at  this  moment,  though  it  may  sound  strange  to 
you." 

"  Some  good  thing  is  about  to  happen  then  to  my  own 
Elsie." 

"Yes,  Miss  Clinton,  Teunis  will  be  mine.  An  event  1 
never  expected  to  see  ;  my  father  is  reconciled  to  him,  and  I 
atnas  happy  as  a  young  maiden  can  be.  All  has  come  out  of 
your  captivity,  so  that  I  am  as  much  released  as  you  can  be." 
Here  Elsie  hid  her  face  on  Margaret's  bosom. 

"  That  is  your  own  good  heart  speaking  that  has  cheered 
me  so  long :  for  it  seems  so  long  since  we  became  known  to 
each  other,  that  it  sounds  strange  to  me  to  hear  my  brother 
say  we  must  be  at  the  ship  to-morrow." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  thoughtful  Elsie ;  "  you  return  to  your 
home,  and  I  remain  at  mine ;  and  our  experience  of  trouble 
will  not  be  lost,  if  we  both  fill  our  places  the  better  that  we 
have  been  at  school  up  among  the  mountains.  But,  hark, 
there  is  the  horn  of  warning  to  rise.  There  is  more  to  be 
done  this  day  than  you  have  dreamed  of;  nor  could  you  guess 
though  you  were  to  try  ail  day." 

The  countenance  of  Elsie,  while  it  retained  its  usual  quiet 
soberness,  was  more  cheerful  than  it  had  been  for  some  time  ; 
showing  that  pleasant  thoughts  were  passing  over  the  zenith 
of  her  heaven  ;  and  yet  there  was  no  levity  nor  trifling  in  her 
demeanor.  Her  conversation  was  as  lively — more  lively  tVan 
ever,  but  intermixed  \vith  sage  maxims  which  she  h.id 
heard  and  stored  up  in  the  past ;  and  while  the  experience 
of  the  high-bred  English  maiden  was  gained  in  a  far  dif- 
ferent school,  yet  the  ivbults  to  both  at  this  hour  were  not 


TEAKS   AND   SMILES.  451 

anlike  ;  showing  that  virtue  is  eternal  and  unchangeable  ;  im- 
pressed upon  the  soul  within,  and  not  upon  the  body 
without. 

"  But,"  continued  Elsie,  "  you  must  not  suppose  that  my 
heart  is  any  lighter,  though  I  smile  in  your  face  this  morn 
ing:  like  the  keystone  of  an  arch,  I  am  firmer  and  stronger 
the  heavier  my  responsibilities  are  becoming !     Ha !  but  here 
is  something  that  will  interest  us." 

With  these  words  the  country  girl  drew  out  into  the  mid- 
dle of  the  floor  a  strong  hairy  trunk,  studded  with  brass 
nails,  and  bound  with  iron,  such  as  English  travellers  take 
with  them  to  foreign  countries.  Margaret  soon  expressed 
her  surprise ;  for  it  was  the  very  chest  which  she  herself  had 
carefully  packed  with  what  she  intended  to  wear  on  this 
journey  to  Ulster.  Her  wonderment  was  how  it  could  pos- 
sibly be  on  that  floor,  when  she  left  it  last  Sabbath  morning 
in  her  little  cabin.  Had  she  been  told  by  her  old  Scotch 
nurse  that  some  kind  fairy  had  brought  it  hither,  she  was 
likely  to  have  believed  her.  The  truth  must  be  told  here. 
Bertram  had  secretly  made  a  journey  to  the  ship  during  the 
night ;  and  this  among  other  matters  was  a  result  of  his  inter- 
view with  his  uncle  and  aunt.  The  day  was  to  be  spent  in 
this  inland  village,  where  in  gratitude  to  the  good  man  who 
had  aided  them  so  efficiently,  and  in  pure  friendship  for  Elsie, 
Miss  Clinton  was  to  be  allowed  to  remain.  The  <L 
which  the  chest  contained  were  sent,  so  that  she  might  aj»- 
pear  worthy  of  her  name  and  place  in  society.  Other  gar- 
ments lay  there  folded,  which  were  intended  for  the  daugii- 
te*  of  Martin  Schuyler,  who,  as  the  relative  of  the  noble  m:i;i 
at  Albany,  felt  as  dignified  as  a  queen,  and  must  be  arrayr  1 
that  day  "  in  as  handsome  a  manner  as  becomes  her  stand- 
ing." So  the  proud  'Yfvrow  said  to  her  careful  ^touse  be- 
fore she  went  to  bed  that  night. 

The  two  damsels  were  soo:i  into  the  mysteries  of  dressing. 
Elsie  had  worn  the  gown  she  had  on,  the  night  she  It/it 
Hoogenhuisen,  and  Margaret  had  not  thought  alter  being 
caught  in  her  parti-colored  blanket,  of  dungiug  it  for 
another.  Once  afterward  at  a  masquerade  in  Fortheringame 
Castle,  England,  did  she  appear  as  an  Indian  Queen.  The 
blanket  was  kept  among  the  choicest  treasures  of  her  gay 
wardrobe. 

At  the  breakfast  table  both  the  visitors  were  welcomed 
by  their  host  and  hostess;  the  lady  giving  fh-m  the 
warm  embrace  of  a  mother,  while  the  Dominie  \viti«  dignity 


i52  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

and  paternal  voice  bade  them  welcome,  handing  them  at  the 
same  time  to  chairs  by  his  sMe. 

Margaret  felt  the  blood  tingling  through  her  veins  as  she 
sat  down  reflecting  that  she  was  now  in  the  presence  of  the 
man  whom  she  had  learned  to  respect,  by  what  she  had 
heard  of  him.  With  all  her  experience  of  the  world  and  of 
different  companies,  she  was  not  without  anxiety  as  to  the 
result  of  this  interview  with  one  whose  sentiments  she  knew 
must  be  of  a  high  order.  Forethought  was  unnecessary  here, 
as  all  was  done  in  decency  and  order. 

"  You  have  at  least  been  fortunate  in  one  thing,  my  lady : 
in  your  late  excursion  in  seeing  our  mountain  at  this  season, 
for  it  is  the  only  object  of  interest  we  have  to  show  a 
stranger.  We  think  it  beyond  all  other  hills." 

"  I  have  been  unfortunate,  my  dear  sir,  in  not  being  in  a  fit 
frame  to  enjoy  it,  as  I  would  have  done  had  fear  not  pre- 
vailed over  my  admiration;  still  I  shall  take  impressions  with 
me  so  deep  that  they  never  can  be  worn  out." 

"  Yes,  my  lady,  in  misfortune  we  receive  such  impressions. 
Had  you  sailed  over  the  highest  peak  in  one  of  those  newly 
invented  air  boats,  that  the  French  are  trying,  your  voyji£  e 
would  be  sooner  forgotten,  than  if  vou  walked  everv  step  up 
to  High  Peak." 

"  So  moralists  say,"  was  Margaret's  reply.  "  Still  a  balloon 
wcuid  have  been  welcomed  yesterday  morning,  and  could  I 
have  made  one  I  would  have  ventured  in  it.''' 

"And  fallen,  lady,  down  the  precipices  where  your  crushed 
body  would  have  been  lying  now.  God's  ways  are  not  our 
ways,  neither  are  his  thoughts  our  thoughts,  for  as  the  heav- 
ens are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  his  ways  above  ail  those 
inventions  that  human  wisdom  would  try." 

At  this  point  Tom  put  down  the  large  clasped  book  on 
the  table,  while  at  his  heels  there  came  in  the  whole  house- 
hold of  this  holy  patriarch,  taking  their  seats  according  to 
their  rank.  The  ninety-second  psalm  was  read,  followed  by 
a  brief  exposition  and  a  prayer,  solemn,  earnest  and  direct. 
The  household,  the  country  and  the  church,  were  all  remem- 
bered. What  chiefly  affected  Margaret  was  the  touching  re- 
ference made  to  herself;  showing  that  he  who  spoke  for 
chtfm,  knew  all  about  her  and  felt  for  her  as  a  kind  father 
does  for  a  wandering  child.  As  he  rose  in  fervor  he  became 
more  pointed  and  his  voice  quivered  as  he  supplicated.  "  Di- 
vine compassion  on  the  head  of  her,  who  had  been  chased 
like  a  young  roe,  among  the  hills,  and  who  had  been  followed 


TEARS    AXD   SMILES.  453 

after  by  a  love  strong  as  death.  Now,  O  Lord !  may  her 
eyes  this  day  see  Plim  who  is  fairer  than  the  children  of 
men,  who  standeth  behind  our  wall ;  who  looketh  at  the  win- 
dows,  showing  himself  through  the  lattice,  saying,  *  rise  up 
my  love,  my  fair  one  and  come  away.  For  lo  the  winter  is 
past,  the  rain  is  over  and  gone  :  the  flowers  appear  on  the 
earth,  the  time  of  singing  of  birds  is  come  and  the  voice  of 
the  turtle  is  heard  in  the  land.  Let  this  daughter  of  the 
stranger,  comely  and  delicate,  be  surrounded  by  the  shep- 
herds and  their  flocks  in  token  of  her  future  peace  ;  even  as 
the  young  lions  have  roared  upon  her  yesterday ;  then  shall 
she  be  like  the  young  roe  upon  the  mountain  of  spices," 

At  the  close  of  this  prayer,  made  eloquent  by  the  occasion 
and  the  words  of  inspired  devotion,  every  eye  was  suffused  in 
tears.  The  good  man  himself  went  'to  look  out  at  the  win- 
dow, and  blew  his  nose  with  a  blast  that  would  have 
wakened  a  sleeping  Samsom,  in  his  cradle,  but  whio?\  was 
not  observed  at  this  time,  by  any  one,  as  they  we«^  too 
much  engaged  like  himself  in  hiding  their  feelings.  Just  at 
that  instant  a  drum  was  beat  loud  and  furious,  an<*  with 
something  of  an  attempt  at  music  which  made  Mi»*-garet 
start  up  to  her  feet  in  some  alarm.  The  Dominie  sn>*led  as 
he  said : 

"  Lady,  I  thought  a  soldier's  daughter  would  not  fr»r  the 
sound  that  calls  to  battle ;  but  that  is  the  warning  of  i>eace, 
not  of  war.  We  have  not  got  a  bell  yet,  such  as  they  have 
in  London  and  Amsterdam,  so  we  take  what  we  hav<»,  and 
we  never  want.  The  drum  does  for  both  armies;  the  soMiers 
of  the  cross  and  the  defenders  of  the  state.  But  here  <x»mes 
the  'Yfvrow  with  the  call  for  breakfast." 

They  sat  down  to  a  breakfast  similar  to  that  of  which  Cla- 
rence partook ;  only  ladies  being  present  now,  and  on«  of 
reputed  high  rank,  the  mistress  of  the  house  was  ambitious 
to  do  her  best.  Indeed,  if  there  was  any  fault  to  be  found,  it 
was  the  over-attention  she  bestowed  on  her  chief  guest ; 
which  led  her,  sometimes,  sharply  to  remind  her  spouse  of  his 
duty  and  of  even  his  behavior  at  table.  There  was  grpct 
abundance,  too  much — and  it  lay  on  as  white  a  linen  doth 
as  ever  was  spread.  The  dishes  were  of  the  finest  cliina,  and 
the  urn  of  silver;  with  corresponding  plate  of  the  heaviest 
kind.  Proud  enough  \vas  the,  dignified  housewife,  when  *h<« 
saw  -Margaret  glancing  quietly  down  into  the  saucer,  at  fig- 
ures there  drawn,  and  then  holding  up  the  tiny  cup  in  lu  r 
del'.cate  hand,  admiring  its  shape  and  transparency. 


454  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  Take  another  cup,  Miss  Clinton,  of  the  Bohea.  It  came 
directly  from  China,  in  my  uncle's  ship,  just  ten  years  since. 
My  uncle  was  a  great  skipper  in  his  day,  and  died  very 
WEALTHY.'' 

A  heavy  emphasis  was  laid  on  the  word,  and  she  rose  in 
her  chair  a  few  inches,  though  that  was  hardly  needed,  for 
Bhe  would  have  matched  the  Duchess  of  Walkinghame  in 
size,  in  dignity,  and  even  in  ease  of  manners,  as  Margaret 
declared  afterward. 

"  So  you  do  drink  the  taxed  tea  after  all,  'Yfvrow,"  said 
the  Dominie,  with  a  sly  look  to  that  end  of  the  table. 

"  It  is  none  of  your  aifairs,  Dominie  Schuneman,"  retorted 
his  wife,  good-naturedly.  "  We  can  keep  our  secrets  as  well 
as  the  best  Whig  in  the  country,  though  we  be  not  officered 
by  Dominies  that  scour  the  hills  and  woods  shooting  Indians, 
and  standing  to  be  shot  at  like  tied  turkeys  on  a  Christmas 
day." 

This  little  byplay  was  a  quiet  hit  at  the  careless  husband's 
exposing  himself  to  the  fire  of  the  Mohawk  chief,  of  which 
she  had  heard,  though  he  was  keeping  the  whole  a  secret. 
He  did  not  feel  any  sting  in  the  arrow  shot,  so  smiling  in 
self-complacency,  he  rose,  saying  : 

"  Elsie,  my  lameshie,  you  will  be  ready  when  I  call  you. 
and  do  not  tremble  at  the  sound  of  your  own  name." 

"  I  may  tremble,  Dominie,  but  be  short,  for  you  know 
that  we  have  had  hard  work  to  go  through  these  few  day? 
past." 

"  True,  Elsie,  lass,"  continued  the  pastor,  "  but  the  form 
must  be  gone  through  religiously.  The  dochter  of  Martin 
Schuyler  must  be  an  example  to  others." 

At  the  appointed  time,  Bertram  arid  Teunis  Roe  came  to 
the  parsonage  for  the  young  ladies,  who  were  dressed,  and 
waited  upon  one  another  with  sisterly  affection.  The  occa- 
sion, and  the  day,  had  brought  the  minds  of  all  into  delight- 
ful harmony  and  sober  cheerfulness. 

The  Dominie,  who  went  out  after  breakfast,  did  not  return 
for  an  hour,  when  he  seemed  a  little  flustered,  which  arrested 
the  eye  of  his  careful  wife,  who  immediately  put  the  ques- 
tion : 

"  What  has  happened  now  ?" 

"  Oh,  nothing  but  that  imp  of  Satanus  and  his  belly 
tongue.  I  believe  he  will  make  all  my  folks  seek  unto 
familiar  spirits,  and  unto  wizards  that  peep  and  mutter." 

"Do  you  mean  Unga?"  said  the  quick-witted  woman. 


TEARS   AND   SMILES.  455 

"  Domirie,  like  priest  like  people.  What  wizard  was  seen 
yesternight  ?" 

The  Dominie  left  her,  looking  at  her  with  a  warning  eye. 
After  a  little  while  he  came  out,  ready  to  enter  the  sacred 
place  :  his  cocked  hat  on,  with  his  Geneva  bands  hanging 
low  on  his  breast ;  except  these,  not  a  spot  of  white  upon 
him.  Over  all  was  his  ample  cloak,  made  of  thick  worsted 
stuff,  imported  from  Holland,  and  sold  by  Abrain  Van  Est, 
at  Coenties  Slip,  Manhattan,  now  New  York. 

The  'Yfvrow,  who  was  herself  superbly  dressed,  made  her 
spouse  turn  round  till  she  examined  him  thrice  over,  con- 
tinuing her  critical  investigations  till  he  grew  out  of  pa- 
tience, and  broke  away  from  her  hands  in  assumed  fury. 

"  Nay,  nay,  Dominie,  you  must  allow  me  to  straighten 
out  that  wrinkle  in  your  coat-tail,  careless  man  that  you  are. 
Can  you  not  lift  it  aside  when  you  sit  down  ?  It  is  the 
'Yfrow  will  get  all  the  blame.  Dame  Brinkeroff  will  say, 

'"Did  you  see  the  Dominie's  bands  ?  They  were  as  yel- 
low as  a  duck's  foot.' 

"  '  Yaw,  yaw,'  Mammy  Demond  will  squeal  out ;  '  and  his 
wig  was  mairs  like  tow  on  my  rock  than  good  hair.'  " 

"  Never  mind  the  clashing  jades,"  said  the  well  pleased 
and  happy  Dominie.  "I'll  have  them  all  before  the  Consis- 
tory for  their  slander.  You're  the  best  wife  in  the  colony.'* 
And  with  that  he  stole  a  kiss,  as  if  in  perfect  exuberance  of 
pleasure. 

"  Fie,  fie,  Dominie !  and  before  ladies,  too,"  said  the  no 
less  happy  wife,  "  and  we  going  to  the  kerke.  If  old  Mat 
Van  Deusen  hears  of  this  there  Avill  be  some  noise." 

With  that  all  marched  out  to  the  church.  The  Dominie, 
as  of  right,  led  the  way,  having  Miss  Clinton  on  his  arm. 


456  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIR 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


THE     IMMORTAL     SOUL. 


u  Pore  religion,  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Father." 

ST.  J. 


"  I'm  not  in  sportive  humor  now  ;  tell  me,  and  dally  not.'* 

SnAKSPHABB. 

IT  was  one  of  those  beautiful  sabbath  mornings,  which 
occur  at  the  close  of  the  fall  of  the  year,  that  resemble  the 
face  of  a  devout  matron,  just  before  the  winter  of  her  life 
commences  ;  who,  still  conscious  of  the  happy  life  she  has 
passed,  surrounded  by  her  children,  who  revel  in  the  fruits 
she  has  gathered  for  them,  looks  with  devout  gratitude  to 
-God,  as  sensible  also  of  worldly  delight.  The  sunshine  of 
youth  not  only  lingered  round  the  hills,  but  rested  richly  on 
the  valley.  The  people  were  evidently  at  rest  in  their  minds, 
and  as  the  clear  cock-crow  wakened  the  echoes,  voices  of 

E  raise  were  prolonged  so  sweetly  that  they  reverberated 
•om  stream  and  knoll,  till  all  sounded  in  blessed  unison. 

After  the  stirring  events  of  the  past  week,  a  large  congre- 
gation were  assembling.  The  majority  came  for  worship, 
but  many  to  obtain  the  news  of  how  the  good  cause  was 
prospering.  Where  every  one  contributed  his  part,  each 
carried  away  a  full  account,  to  be  told  over  at  home,  to  those 
who  could  not  come  to  the  common  gathering  place. 

The  strangers  present,  guests  of  the  Dominie,  sat  in  his 
large  square  pew,  along  with  the  'Yfvrow  and  her  little  fiocic. 
As  they  looked  up  to  the  desk,  and  saw  the  pastor  in  his 
full  Geneva  cloak  and  bands,  admiration  filled  their  minds. 
Spreading  out  his  hands,  he  said  : 

"  The  Lord  bless  you,  and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord  make  his 
face  to  shine  upon  you,  and  be  gracious  to  you.  The  Lord 
lift  up  his  countenance  upon  you,  and  give  you  peace  :  Amen." 

He  read  the  commandments  in  a  slow,  solemn  voice  ;  vary- 
ing his  tone  as  he  went  through  each,  so  that  the  ear  of  his 
auditors  might  receive  the  separate  precept  by  itself,  and 
ponder  upon  it  with  prayer,  and  in  meekness. 

Here  he  sat  down,  when  the  clerk,  who  .was  placed  in  a 
smaller  pulpit  below  the  high  desk,  rose  and  gave  out  a 


THE   IMMORTAL   SOUL.  457 

psalm,  which  he  led  in  a  tone  between  singing  and  chanting. 
Horridly  grating  to  refined  ears ;  but  the  people  were  pleased 
and  paid  to  Zach  Goetchius  twenty  shillings,  and  ten  cheepeus 
of  corn  for  serving  as  Presentor.  Zach  also  read  the  lessons 
from  Scripture.  The  prayers  were  in  part  from  a  liturgy  in 
the  Dutch  language,  and  in  part  extemporaneous  English ; 
which  the  transient  worshippers  supposed  was  in  deference  to 
them,  as  well  as  for  their  edification. 

The  same  might  have  been  said  of  the  sermon.  It  was  in- 
tended by  the  preacher,  when  he  began,  to  be  in  English,  but 
as  he  grew  warm,  he  branched  off  into  the  vernacular  tongue. 
This  more  especially  when  he  wished  to  give  something  very 
terse  or  hitting,  or  which  might  be  disagreeable  to  his  now 
auditors ;  for  he  wished  them  to  carry  away  a  good  impression. 
His  side  strokes  were  the  spiciest.  Bertram,  who  had  been 
in  Holland,  gave  these  afterward  to  his  friends.  He,  more- 
over, declared  that  the  style  of  speech  was  as  pure  as  the 
doctors  of  Leyden  used. 

The  text  which  was  pronounced  in  a  clear  deliberate  voice, 
had  the  effect  of  quickening  the  ears  of  the  assembly,  who 
leaned  forward  to  catch  every  word ;  and  from  the  stillness 
which  succeeded  the  announcement,  as  well  as  the  curiosity 
on  their  countenances,  they  seemed  to  say,  "  What  can  the 
Dominie  have  to  say  from  that  ?" 

"  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ,  above  fourteen  years  ago — 
whether  in  the  body  I  cannot  tell ;  or  whether  out  of  the 
body  I  cannot  tell ;  God  knoweth — such  an  one  caught  up  to 

the  third  heaven and  heard  unspeakable 

words,  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  a  man  to  utter." 

He  began,  "  I  knew  a  man  yesterday  who  was  up  on  the 
mountain,  and  as  near  to  the  third  heaven  as  any  man  in  this 
region  can  be  ;  and  from  Paul's  experience,  and  that  of  this 
other  man,  we  deduce  the  sound  doctrine  that  the  GREAT 

SPIRIT  COMMUNICATES  WITH  THE  SOUL  OF  HIS  CREATURES, 
THROUGH  NATURE  AND  GRACE;  AND  CONSEQUENTLY  YOU 
HAVE  SPIRITUAL  AND  IMMORTAL  SOULS,  AS  WELL  AS  YOU  HAVy 
DECAYING  BODIES. 

"  Keep  that  doctrine  before  your  view,  all  through  ;  for 
though  I  will  say  a  vast  deal  before  I  be  done,  it  is  all  on  this 
foundation." 

At  this  point  the  preacher  went  minutely  into  the  history 
and  the  meaning  of  his  text  ;  telling  his  hearers  that  it  was  a 
page  taken  out  of  the  private  journal  of  Paul's  autobiography  : 
"  We  could  wish  he  had  left  more  of  the  same  kind  ;  ba:  wo 

20 


458  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

snail  see  the  other  parts  when  we  get  to  heaven.  It  would 
seem  that  fourteen  years  before  this  time,  and  twelve  years 
after  lie  met  the  Lord  by  the  way  to  Damascus,  when  the 
Apostle  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  after  having  had  large 
experience  of  holy  visions,  he  had  this  one,  that  transcended 
them  all  in  matchless  glory ;  and  which  even  he,  great  as  he 
was  in  the  use  of  words,  could  not  express." 

"  Others  as  well  as  Paul  have  had  visions.  There  was  Eze- 
kiel,  who  was  caught  away  from  the  banks  of  Chebar  by  a 
lock  of  his  hair,  and  placed  at  the  door  of  the  temple  of  Jeru 
salem:  there  again  was  the  Exile  of  Patmos;  and  with  hu- 
mility be  it  spoken,  there  was  I  myself  on  the  mountain 
when  I  felt  like  one  transported  out  of  the  body,  as  I  looked 
out  upon  the  river,  the  woods,  the  fields,  and  the  mountains 
far  off  on  all  sides ;  so  that  though  I  have  come  to  declare 
my  feelings  before  you,  I  find  them  to  be  unspeakable  ;  at  this 
moment  I  am  sincerely  sorry  that  I  have  chosen  this  subject. 
O  Divine  Spirit !  thou  who  taught  Paul  to  speak  right  words, 
indite  for  thy  feeble  servant,  and  make  his  tongue  like  the 
pen  of  a  ready  writer." 

At  the  close  of  this  introduction  he  paused,  blowing  his 
nose,  looking  round,  at  the  same  time,  to  see  that  all  were 
in  their  places  and  quiet,  and  then  in  a  formal,  pointed,  and 
emphatic  manner,  gave  out  his  first  point : 

"  God  communicates  with  the  human  soul  above  nature, 
and  in  an  inconceivable  way." 

There  followed  this  annunciation  of  his  main  point,  a  long 
rambling  talk,  in  which  it  was  plainly  seen  to  the  initiated 
in  extempore  speaking,  that  he  was  struggling  through  the 
mist. 

"  I  am  not,"  said  he,  "  a  Paul,  mind  you ;  I  am  not  super- 
naturally  endowed.  But,  after  all,  Paul  was  human,  and  he 
could  have  sympathized  with  me  up  there,  as  I  am  humbly 
sure  I  could  have  felt  with  him  further  up.  He  had  a  sense 
of  the  beautifully  divine,  as  I  have  now  of  the  divinely 
beautiful.  Such  a  speechless  delight  is  in  us  all.  We  feel 
more  than  we  can  comprehend ;  we  understand  more  than 
we  can  tell.  When  I  WQ.«  mi  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  I 
could  not  help  looking;  down  oai  tko  different  men  whom 
knew  dwelt  here  below.  I  said,  there  is  one,  and  he  never 
sees  anything  beyond  ais  line  fence.  When  be  looks  out  on 
the  stream  that  runs  f  nyongk  his  farm,  he  wishes  it  were  a  s\ii' 
stream ;  another  is  a]  >/•--?,  calculating  on  the  loads  of  bay  .it 
will  cut  from  that  mwirr** *  cue  moiv  *w  a&oefc  «£  sfaeeo 


THE   IMMORTAL   SOUL  459 

and  it  is  of  the  -wool  and  the  mutton  he  is  thinking.  These  men 
are  but  a  little  way  removed  above  the  brutes  they  feed.  If 
I  had  them  up  here  I  would  say,  '  Were  God  to  give  me  the 
power,  brother  Paulus,  brother  Johannus,  brother  Jacobus, 
brother  Petrus,  receive  thy  sight,  and  be  filled  with  tlio 
Holy  Geest.'  And  I  am  sure  that  I  would  enjoy  the  sur- 
prise which  all  of  these  brothers  would  show  when  the 
scales,  made  of  milledoleors,  of  wheat,  of  flesh,  and  of  blacks, 
would  fall  from  their  eyes :  and  the  glorious  kiverlid  would 
be  spread  out,  and  their  eyes  made  clear  enough  to  see  it, 
with  all  its  colors  and  patches  of  wood — with  its  border  of 
blue  sky,  and  its  centre  of  meadow-land,  through  which  the 
silken  stream  runs  so  pure  that  it  reminds  one  of  the  stream 
that  maketh  glad  the  city  of  the  Lord  after  a  storm  has 
shaken  the  earth. 

"Brethren,"  said  the  good  man,  now  becoming  more 
earnest,  "  your  eyes  must  be  unsealed  if  you  would  sec  with 
the  spirit,  and  see  with  the  understanding  also.  You  could 
not  penetrate  the  thick  mist  of  a  fall  morning,  but  you  could 
believe  that  snugly  resting  under  it  there  are  happy  homes, 
and  that  above  it  there  is  clear  sunshine.  Roll  away  the 
cloud,  and  all  is  beautiful  and  sublime.  The  beauty  was  there 
all  the  time.  So  the  spirit  of  faith  can  see  the  throne  of  God, 
arid  the  dwellings  of  the  blessed,  unchangeably  the  same  in 
their  everlasting  radiance. 

"  Some  of  you  cannot  understand  these  things.  How  can 
you,  having  never  seen  them  ?  You  are  blinded  by  your 
milledoleors,  and  your  grain,  and  your  blacks.  But  shall  my 
horse  Dick,  that  was  up  there  with  me,  and  looked  out  snut- 
fing  at  the  fresh  grass  below,  say  that  there  was  nothing  down 
there  but  grass,  when  your  dog  Watch  wags  his  tail  at  the 
sight  of  a  hare  ?  Or  shall  horse  and  dog  say  there  is  nothing 
more  than  they  see,  when  Paulus  and  the  rest  see  the  line 
farms  in  the  Bught  ?  And  how  dare  Jacobus  and  his 
friends,  who  see  nothing  but  farm-land,  presume  to  say  that 
the  gentleman  sitting  there  in  my  pew  did  not  sec  beauties 
beneath  all  these  visible  things?  *  And,  finally,  shall  th« 
tleman  in  my  pew  deny  but  I  had  a  more  penetrating  \i--\\- 
of  God  below  these  fancied  things,  which  made  him  leap  with 
rapture?  I  am  sure,  after  these  things,  you  will  allow  that 
St.  Paul,  even  in  the  body,  might  hear  sounds  unspeakable 
in  the  third  heavens." 

Here  the  venerable  pastor  paused,  wiping  his  face  with  his 
Indian  bandana,  of  which  he  was  a  little  vain,  as  one;  might 


460  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

judge  from  the  manner  in  which  lie  spread  it  out,  lifting  it 
softly  in  his  big  hand  before  he  pushed  it  down  into  his 
big  pocket.  By  that  time  he  was  into  the  mysteries  of 
thought,  and  was  launching  out  into  the  scriptural  doctrine 
of  divine  communications  with  the  soul  out  of  the  body. 
He  quoted  liberally  from  Scripture,  placing  himself  on  safe 
ground. 

"  But,  my  brethren,  do  we  not  see,  and  feel,  and  guess  at 
things,  after  seeing  a  great  sight  like  what  I  saw,  even  when 
we  cannot  put  the  ends  together  ?  I  went  out  in  my  body 
over  a  bridge  that  hung  across  the  gulf,  till  I  could  not  move 
another  step  ;  and  then  I  looked  down  till  my  eyes  dazzled, 
and  then  my  spirit  crossed  still  beyond,  till  even  my  spirit 
sank,  having  no  ground  to  stand  upon.  Who  shall  hold  me 
up  ?  There  must  be  an  arch  broken.  Where  is  the  power 
to  rebuild  it  ?  My  imagination  is  away  off — my  dreams  show 
me  a  country  I  am  afraid  to  enter  when  I  am  awake.  I  am, 
while  in  my  study,  sometimes  eager  to  see  my  Maker.  I  cry, 
Oh,  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  him.  Behold,  I  go  for- 
ward, but  he  is  not  there  ;  and  backward,  but  I  cannot  per- 
ceive him.  Why  is  all  this  ?  I  am  a  sinner ;  but  there  may 
be  in  me  some  fragments  of  a  broken  sense,  which,  like 
the  pieces  of  the  'Yivrow's  looking-glass  that  Betty  let  fall, 
still  showed  bits  of  her  black  face.  Like  some  great  men 
I  have  read  of,  she  tried  to  join  the  parts,  but  after  she 
had  done  her  best,  it  was  a  fractured  mirror,  reflecting  only 
glimpses  of  light.  Who  shall  mend  this  broken  spirit- 
ual glass  ?  That  glass  of  the  'Yfvrow  must  be  melted  over 
and  renewed.  God  can  renew  the  spirit  of  the  mind.  lie 
can  build  up  the  broken  arch,  over  which  the  spirit  can  pass 
safe  and  sound,  so  that  the  eye,  not  satisfied  with  seeing, 
nor  the  ear  with  hearing,  may  behold  the  face  of  the  Maker, 
and  the  man  become  fit  to  hold  fellowship  with  Him.  Oh, 
ye  men,  put  the  milledoleors  from  off  your  eyes,  your  houses 
and  your  lands,  your  orchards  and  your  cider-presses,  with 
all :  and  ye  vrows  must  get  your  spiritual  looking-glasses 
mended,  and  made  bright  as  your  silver,  else  you  will  never 
see  on  the  other  side  of  your  milk-pans." 

The  faithful  pastor  found  it  necessary  to  make  these 
familiar  illustrations  of  a  very  abstract  subject,  and  it  was 
doubtful  even  then  if  he  made  it  plain  to  the  limited  under- 
standing of  his  regular  hearers.  But  on  this  occasion  he 
knew  that  he  had  some  of  the  elite  before  him,  and  he  was 
not  unwilling  to  show  them  that  he  had  learned  something 


THE   IMMORTAL   SOUL.  461 

at  Ley  den.  Still,  some  of  the  old  women  there  could  not 
help  saving,  with  admiration,  "  What  a  wonderful  man  our 
Dominie  is !" 

He  went  on  :  "  You  know,  brethren,  there  is  a  difference  in 
tastes  ;  there  is  Tim  has  a  taste  for  good  eating,  and  there  is 
Egbert  has  a  taste  for  a  fine  book,  and  there  is  Wilhelmus  lias 

taste  for  praying.  When  they  told  me  that  the  cloud 
at  Pine  Orchard  showed  the  faces  and  the  figures  of  thoso 
who  looked  into  it,  I  could  not  help  thinking  how  differently 
these  three  men  would  come  from  seeing  it.  The  glutton 
would  start  like  a  beast  away  from  it  and  feed  the  next  hour  ; 
the  man  of  mind  would  be  for  giving  reasons  from  the  nature 
of  things ;  but  the  good  man  and  the  true,  would  look 
through  all,  and  see  that  hand  which  turned  the  wheel  be- 
hind. What  of  the  three  men — the  glutton,  the  thinker  and 
the  praying  soul  ?  The  first  man  is  but  an  animal,  the  second 
is  a  reasonable  creature,  but  the  last  is  a  spiritual  being  al- 
lied to  the  Great  Spirit. 

To  me,  men  and  brethren,  those  sights  and  sounds  are  fore- 
tastes of  the  heavenly  and  of  the  divine.  They  are  full  of 
meaning,  eye  hath  not  seen  it,  neither  haih  ear  heard  it. 
It  is  not  possible  to  utter  it.  They  are  unlike  any  other 
blessedness  here  in  this  world.  Yet  they  are  not  beyond 
human  experience  as  Paul  testifies,  as  I  can  testify  ;  and  aa 
some  of  these  old  mothers  there  can  assure  you  who  are  in 
doubt.  The  mountain  top,  to  the  man  whose  vision  is  purified, 
is  another  round  in  the  ladder,  down  on  which  the  angels 
descend  in  their  visits  to  us,  and  up  which  we  may  UM-.  i.d 
in  our  visits  to  them;  hearken  van  nu  aan  zult  gij  den  hi  nu-1 
zien  geopend,  ende  engelen  Gods  opklinnnende  en  nederda!- 
ende  op  dein  zoon  des  menschen.  Oh,  dear  me !  what  am  I 
saying  now  ?  1  forgot,"  said  the  fervent  preacher,  "but  the 
English  is,  Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  hen-alter  ye  .shall  see 
heaven  open  and  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descend- 
ing upon  the  Son  of  Man." 

A  lashionable    congregation  would   have   felt   that  tin) a 
enough  had  been  spent,  but  tlu^c  people  were  accustomed 
to  sit  their  full  two  and  three  hours  patiently,  sleeping  or 
looking  through  vacancy,  to  be  roused  up  as  their  past" 
up  himself.    This  day  he  was  in  the  happiest  mood,  and  hav 
ing  an  appreciating  audience  he  gave  tliem  full  measure,    lie 
drew  a  long  breath,  and  gave  out  another  mail,  point  \\hich 
he  said  was  deduced  from  the  preceding  :  that  rina  ii>c  soul 
could  hold  communication  with  the  Maker  cither  in  (/>c 


462  THE    DUTCH    DOMINIE. 

through  nature,  or  out  of  the  body,  through  pure  spirit  it 

followed  THAT     THE     SOUL   WAS     ITSELF    SPIRITUAL   AXD     IAI- 
MORTAL. 

He  dwelt  at  least  ten  minutes  here  in  giving  scriptural 
proof  of  this,  which  could  not  fail  having  good  effect  on  the 
honest  believers  before  him.  But  getting  his>  eye  on  the 
strangers  again,  he  launched  away  upon  the  abstract,  in  what 
he  meant  to  be  forcible  eloquence.  Said  he,  "Listen  to  the 
word  of  Paul  in  one  place — '  Father  of  Spirits.  We  are  his 
children  still;  he  begot  our  souls.  Do  you  uot  feel  that 
you  are  his  children  ?  I  felt  it  yesterday  as  I  stood  gazing 
down  into  the  deep  profound,  where  I  could  see  nothing, 
save  the  unknown  ;  and  as  I  mused,  I  thought  what  if  I 
should  step  out  into  that  space ;  where  should  I  fall  ?  On 
the  bosom  of  my  God,  my  Father !  We  who  have  been  at 
sea,  looking  from  the  stern  with  eyes  fixed  on  the  vessel's 
track  till  we  lost  ourselves,  have  felt  it.  There  never  was  a 
horizon  yet  that  we  did  not  wish  to  fly  beyond  !  What  are 
these  longings  but  the  conflicts  kept  up  between  the  earthly 
and  the  heavenly ;  what  but  the  instincts  of  the  child  long- 
ing for  the  bosom,  from  which  it  has  been  rudely  torn  by 
some  foul  tyrant — the  returning  fragments  of  a  broken 
dream  of  yore — the  strains  of  a  broken  harp-string  recalled 
to  the  ear  of  memory,  where  they  have  long  lain  discon- 
nected through  violence  ?" 

Here  the  preacher  entered  with  great  force  and  unction 
into  the  power,  which  the  Gospel  has,  of  healing  this  breach 
between  the  child  and  the  parent.  "  The  first  Adam  lost  his 
place  and  we  in  him,  but  the  second  Adam  is  the  son  of  God 
and  we  are  renewed  in  him.  The  spiritual  flame  expired,  is 
now  rekindled  and  burns  as  it  is  replenished  from  that  foun- 
tain." 

The  discourse  was  drawing  to  a  close,  and  the  preacher, 
like  a  strong  racer,  was  gathering  himself  up  for  his  final 
spring.  "It  is,"  said  he,  "fearfully  true  of  many  here  that 
they  have  had  no  interest  in  all  that  I  have  said  this  day.  I 
can  read  it  in  your  faces.  Had  all  of  you  been  up  beside  me, 
where  I  felt  myself  rising  as  on  eagle's  wings,  some  here  that 
I  n'ot  of,  would  have  said :  '  I  wish  I  were  in  my  own  barn, 
over  a  good  roast  turkey :'  and  one  or  two  here  I  see,  are 
thinking  now  of  the  pot  of  silver  hidden  in  the  garden.  Oh, 
you  are  a  carnally-minded  crew,  and  would  not  be  happy 
had  you  all  these  things  at  once.  You  need  not  smile  ye 
youngsters  there  ;  as  for  you,  my  young  colts  may  serve  as 


examples  of  the  uneasy  restlessness  of  your  hearts,  when  they 
leap  out  of  the  clover  into  the  sorrel.  Can  you  tell  me  the 
cause  of  all  this  changeableness  ?  Your  souls  are  spiritual, 
and  long  for  communion  out  of  the  body  ;  and  cannot  be  fed 
on  good  dinners,  nor  grow  on  a  thousand  acres  of  the  best 
land  in  the  world. 

"You  have  been  expecting  something  else  heic  this  morn- 
ing. I  want  to  show  you  that  there  is  another  and  a  greater 
cause,  than  even  our  country's  cause.  I  saw  when  I  com- 
menced, that  your  ears  were  cocked  up  to  hear  of  battles ; 
but  there  is  a  great  battle  to  be  fought  by  every  one  for  him- 
self; when  the  last  enemy  appears  on  the  field,  and  by  the 
way  of  preparing  you  to  meet  him  effectually,  so  as  to  come 
off  conqueror,  I  have  lifted  you  up  into  the  THIRD  HEAVENS. 
You  expected  me  to  tell  you  of  the  wonderful  advantage  we 
have  gained  in  the  north,  and  I  have  been  thinking,  '  want 
wat  baat  het  een  mensch  zoo  hij  de  gehule  wereld  gewint, 
en  lijdt  schade  zijner  zeile.  Of  wat  zal  een  mensch  geven,  tot 
lossing  van  zijne  zeile.'  You  that  understand  English  only 
will  find  it  in  Mathew  xvi.,  26  :'  What  shall  it  profit  a 
man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  soul.'  My 
heart  is  full  of  sorrow  when  I  think  on  these  things.  Let  us 
ring: 

"  Oh,  were  I  like  a  feathered  dove, 
Soou  would  I  stretch  my  wings, 
And  fly,  and  make  a  long  r.  move, 
from  all  these  resiles*  things. 

"  Let  me  to  some  wild  desert  go  ; 

And  find  a  peaceful  home, 
Where  storms  of  malice  never  blow  j 
Temptations  never  come." 


461  THE   DUTCH    DOMINIE. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

"  l-HE   CONSUMMATION   DEVOUTLY  TO   BE   WISHED." 

"  Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter." 

SOLOMOS. 

THUS  the  usual  services  were  concluded,  the  congregation 
preparing  to  make  a  rush  for  the  door,  and  were  standing  up, 
the  men  with  hands  on  their  hats,  and  the  women  adjusting 
their  trains,  paying  but  little  attention  to  the  desk,  expect- 
ing only  the  well-known  words  of  benediction,  when  to  the 
amazement  of  all,  young  and  old,  the  Dominie  said  in  a  firm, 
clear  voice: 

"  The  congregation  will  be  seated  while  the  solemn  and 
interesting  ceremony  of  marriage  is  being  performed.  The 
parties  Avill  stand  up  and  present  themselves  before  the 
altar." 

Here  Teunis  Roe  and  Elsie  Schuyler  took  the  specified 
place.  Bertram  at  the  same  time  taking  the  place  assigned 
by  custom  to  the  groom's  man,  and  Margaret  that  of  the 
bridesmaid.  Martinus  Schuyler  moved  slowly  out  of  the 
Consistory's  pew,  to  the  side  where  his  daughter  stood ;  the 
mocher,  attempting  to  do  the  same,  was  prevented  through 
her  emotion,  so  that  she  merely  leaned  forward  in  her  pew, 
in  the  act  of  inward  prayer. 

All  of  these  arrangements  were  completed  before  the 
assembly  had  wakened  out  of  their  astonishment.  When 
they  did  perceive  them,  whispers  might  be  hea;d  among  the 
elder  portions  :  "The  Whig  has  yielded  at  last  to  the  young 
Tory."  The  young  men  were  liiding  their  mortification  by 
winks  and  smiles,  while  one  louder  than  the  others  gave  ut- 
terance to  his  feelings:  "She  was  always  a  haughty  heifer1, 
Teunis  will  have  his  own  task  in  breaking  her  in." 

Grant,  who  sat  in  the  front  of  the  gallery  enjoying  the 
whole  scene,  for  Teunis  had  become,  after  what  had  lately 
taken  place,  a  great  favorite  with  the  Scot,  here  felt  mad  at 
the  ill-concealed  envy  he  saw  around  him  and  had  che  greatest 
difficulty  in  holding  himself  within  due  bounds,  whispered 
aloud : 


"THE  CONSUMMATION  DEVOUTLY  TO  BE  WISHED."     465 

"  Sit  doon,  you  haverils  that  you  are.  Do  you  no  see  trua 
love  gettin'  its  reward  ?" 

"  A  hemp  neckcloth  would  be  more  like  the  young  trai- 
tor's wizzen,"  some  one  here  bitterly  said. 

"  Whist !  whist !  I  tell  you,"  said  Grant,  still  louder,  "  or 
I'll  fling  your  yellow  carcage  over  the  laft  there." 

By  this  time  the  minister  had  opened  at  the  place  in  hia 
book  where  the  "form  for  the  confirmation  of  marriage  be- 
fore the  church  "  is  contained,  and  began  in  a  full,  firm  voice 
to  read.  Being  himself  a  great  admirer  of  that  ancient 
liturgy,  he  believed  that  all  his  people  must  be,  so  he  never 
omitted  aught  of  the  good  service.  As  he  said  in  the  morn- 
ing so  he  showed  at  noon :  "  Martin  Schuyler's  daughter 
must  not  be  slighted." 

The  good  man's  heart  was  so  full  that  it  surged  over,  so 
that  there  were  no  trifiers  there  by  the  time  he  lifted  his 
hands  over  the  newly  married  pair,  giving  them  truly  his 
blessing. 

Nevertheless  that  all,  male  and  female,  were  affected  even 
to  tears,  Elsie's  bridal  attire  did  not  escape  the  scrutiny  of 
those  watery  eyes.  Had  it  been  such  as  they  knew  her  to 
possess,  and  that  in  which  they  had  seen  her  before,  there 
would  have  been  but  little  said  ;  but  since  it  was  well  known 
that  Hoogenhuisen  was  in  ashes,  it  became  at  once  a  ques- 
tion with  a  hundred  mothers  and  maidens,  "  where  have  all 
these  fine  silks  and  laces  come  from  ?" 

That  was  a  secret  known  but  to  the  'YfVrow.  The  moment 
she  became  acquainted  with  the  intentions  of  the  young 
people,  her  wits  were  set  to  work  without  even  consulting 
the  bride  herself,  who  had  no  other  prospect  than  that  of 
appearing  at  the  altar  in  very  common  attire.  Lizzie 
Schuyler,  the  daughter  of  the  general,  and  the  affianced 
spouse  of  the  gallant  Hamilton,  being  at  the  very  time  on  a 
visit  to  her  aunt,  at  the  Manor  of  Livingston,  close  by,  was 
the  very  person  to  supply  all  deficiencies.  The  hint  was 
enough  for  the  busy  'Yfvrow.  A  messenger  brought  back  a 
choice  of  dresses,  such  as  would  have  ducked  a  queen.  Elsie 
felt  somewhat  displeased  at  the  officiousness  of  her  well- 
meaning  hostess ;  but  her  present  circumstances  compelled 
her  to  comply.  Of  course  all  the  parish  were  ignorant  of 
the  good  genii  that  had  furnished  these  ornaments ;  but 
they  were  none  the  less  objects  of  marvel  to  every  one 
present,  possessed  or  not  possessed  of  the  critical  skill  of  the 
milliner. 

20* 


466  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  An'  vere  did  Anshela's  dochter  get  all  tese  fine  tinjrs, 
budten  ?"  said  Peggy  van  Steenberg  to  a  visitor  then  in  the 
country  for  her  health,  as  some  said;  others  because  New 
York  red-coats  were  too  enticing ;  "  vere  did  tese  vain  tings 
kaam  into  dis  Ian'  ?" 

"You  up  here  in  the  country  have  not  seen  all  the  fini 
things  in  the  world,  though  you  may  have  the  highest  moun- 
tains  at  your  elbow,"  was  the  half-jesting  reply  of  the  New 
York  damsel. 

"  Vy  have'n  ve  grand  tings  ?  Is'n  de  'Yfvrow  a  great  voman 
once,  an  her  uncle  de  Skipper?  Budt  dere  vas  de  gown 
like  sky,  on  de  summer  afternoon  ;  beneat  it,  de  vite  petti- 
coat, clean  as  de  snow  packed  wid  de  rain  ven  de  vrost 
comes  and  make  de  glitter." 

"  Oh,  Peggy,  let  me  tell  you,  that  is  all  the  fashion  now ;  a 
celestial  blue  satin  gown,  and  a  white  satin  petticoat  shows  all 
below.  Did  you  not  see  how  they  were  trimmed  with  stripes 
of  the  same  color  up  the  edges  ?" 

"  Yaw,  yaw ;  but  de  corsets  vas  vat  myne  eyes  beheld ; 
yallow  and  crossed  wid  de  blue  stripes.  Budt  do  tell  me  all 
about  dere  head.  Awee !  awee !  how  Elsie  did  look  on 
her." 

"  Oh,"  said  the  initiated  lady,  "  the  head-dress  was  a  pottf 
of  gauze,  made  like  a  globe ;  and  you  saw  how  the  hair  was 
curled,  so  that  it  fell  in  ringlets  down  each  side  of  her  neck." 

"  Awee  !  awee !  vat  a  time  it  must  tak'n  for  ou  to  tell  it 
so :  now,  vat  about  de  neck  ?" 

"  Oh,  the  neck  1  She  had  on  her  a  thin  gauze  handkerchief, 
that  looks  like  the  snow  on  a  frosty  morning.  You  saw  that 
it  hung  full,  at  the  edges  trimmed  with  the  richest  Brussels 
lace." 

"  Awee  !  awee !"  was  all  that  Peggy  couLl  say,  in  perfect 
admiration  ;  but  whether  at  the  wonderful  dress  or  at  the 
wonderful  eloquence  of  her  companion,  could  not  be  dis- 
tinctly known.  However,  not  being  tired  of  what  she 
affected  to  deplore,  she  listened  with  increased  admiration  to 
the  city  lady,  who  went  on  to  tell  her  the  meaning  of  those 
mysteries  which  Margaret  had  on. 

"You  saw  that  other  lady.  She  is  English,  I  know,  from  the 
rose  on  her  cheek  and  the  blue  in  her  eye.  How  beautifully 
she  rose  up  and  stood.  Your  country  lass  has  a  fine  figure, 
no  doubt ;  and  the  gown  fitted  her  very  well,  only  an  inch 
too  tight  all  over ;  but,  then,  that  other  one  is  slender  and 
quick  in  her  movements  without  seeming  to  know  it." 


"THE  CONSUMMATION  DEVOUTLY  TO  BE  WISHED."     467 

"  Elshie  Schuyler,"  said  Peggy,  "  can  stan'  wid  de  best ; 
vat  of  de  oder  one's  gown  ?" 

"  Oh,  that's  what  they  call  a  perriot,  mude  of  grey  Indian 
taffeta.  You  saw  it  had  dark  stripes  of  the  same  color,  with 
two  collars — the  one  yellow  and  the  other  white ;  both  of 
them  trimmed  with  blue  silk  fringe." 

They  went  on  in  this  way,  and  we  must  let  them,  and 
return  back  to  the  church,  which  was  not  dismissed  wis •:; 
these  two  came  out.  At  the  close  of  the  service  alluded  to, 
a  note  was  put  into  the  hand  of  the  Dominie,  as  he  was  about 
to  dismiss  the  people,  which  ran  thus : 

"  REV.  SIR  : 

"  If  there  be  no  impediment  in  the  way,  we  wish  to  engage 
your  services  at  present,  for  the  same  purpose  as  our  friends 
now  made  happy  by  you. 
B  "  BERTRAM  CLINTON. 

"  P.  S. — We  prefer  being  married  with  a  ring." 

The  good  man  smiled  assent,  saying,  with  a -cunning  eye, 
as  he  looked  around : 

"Another  marriage  service  to  be  gone  through;  all  who 
are  tired  may  now  leave." 

He  knew  very  well  that  curiosity  was  at  too  high  a  pitch  to 
allow  any  one  to  go  out,  but  he  sat  down,  more  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  within  himself  than  for  anything  el*e. 

"  Let  the  parties  desirous  of  entering  the  holy  state  of 
matrimony  come  forward."  Here  Bertram  and  Margaret 
stood  up,  with  Teunis  and  Elsie  on  either  side,  supported  by 
Clarence.  At  tne  same  instant,  and  while  the  arrangements 
were  going  forward,  there  stepped  up  through  the  middle 
aisle  a  man  and  woman,  muffled  in  large  cloaks,  taking  a  place 
behind  the  bridegroom  and  bride.  The  house  had  U-eu  so 
crowded,  no  one  had  observed  them  till  that  moment,  and  all 
were  taken  so  with  surprise  that  every  pulse  ceased.  The 
Dominie  almost  stumbled  at  the  beginning  of  the  service. 

However,  he  proceeded  as  before,  with  the  additional  pait 
of  the  ring,  which  being  out  of  the  line  of  a  Dutch  minister,  wa 
bandied  somewhat  awkwardly  by  him ;  but  remembering  what 
he  had  seen  in  England,  he  was  not  entirely  ignorant. 

The  closing  prayer  was  this  time  improvi.-cd.     Tin-  <_'<">d 
man's  heart  was  too  full  to  follow  any  form,  and  throwin. 
soul  into  his  words,  he  uttered  himself,  so  that  tears  fell  lV"!ii 
v  yes  unused  to  weeping. 


468  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

"  O  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  bless  these  parties,  in  theii 
basket  and  in  their  store,  in  their  soul  and  in  their  body. 
Make  them,  a  blessing  to  the  church,  to  the  world,  and  to 
each  other.  May  every  thread  of  roughening  earthliness  be 
disentwined  from  the  connecting  bond ;  so  that  between 
themselves  it  may  be  soft  as  divine  love,  and  yet  strong  and 
inseverable  as  that  which  unites  the  saints  to  one  Lord ;  in  one 
faith,  in  one  baptism,  and  one  marriage,  till  all  four  be  pre- 
sented, without  spot  or  wrinkle,  in  the  presence  of  God,  at 
the  marriage  supper  of  the  Lamb  in  the  New  Jerusalem,  where 
love  and  righteousness  only  reign.  Amen." 

The  AMEX  was  responded  to  in  a  clear,  fall  voice  by  the 
stranger,  who  stood  up  behind  the  parties  along  with  a 
female  muffled  in  a  veil  that  fell  low  to  her  waist.  The  sound 
of  the  Amen  startled  the  whole  house,  not  excepting  the 
Dominie  himself;  for  it  rung  like  the  word  of  command, 
heard  at  the  head  of  a  regiment.  And  by  the  time  the  audi- 
ence had  recovered  from  their  amazement,  the  new  bride  had 
turned  and  flung  herself  into  the  open  arms  of  the  unknown 
woman,  merely  saying  MOTHER  :  but  so  piercingly  that  it 
thrilled  through  the  soul,  as  if  Nature  herself  spoke  by  human 
lips.  Margaret's  transport  was  so  great  that  all  began  to  fear 
for  the  eifect  of  that  joy.  The  cup  became  suddenly  full 
and  surged  over,  so  that  she  became  for  the  time  uncon- 
scious of  happiness  or  of  grief. 

The  stranger,  vigorous  and  resolute,  in  a  moment  lifted 
the  fragile  creature,  pale  as  a  lily,  in  his  arms,  walking 
through  the  aisle  with  a  step  that  clanged  on  the  floor,  mak- 
ing every  one  hold  his  breath,  till  he  reached  the  door,  where 
a  vehicle  stood  ready,  into  which  he  put  the  unconscious 
bride,  mounting  himself  with  a  bound  up  to  the  seat,  saying 
at  the  same  time,  "  drive  briskly."  Two  other  wagons  drove 
away  the  rest  of  the  party,  including  Tennis  and  Elsie.  The 
swooning  and  over  happy  Margaret  soon  recovered  her  joyous 
smiling  lace,  so  that  by  the  time  they  came  in  sight  of  the 
river  and  the  ship,  she  was  weeping  anew,  in  thought  of  part- 
ing from  her  dear  deliverer.  They  took  a  warm  embrace  and 
then  another,  waving  adieus  till  the  vessel  was  out  of  sight. 

The  explanation  of  these  sudden  transformations  is  easy 
by  him  that  understandeth.  When  Tennis  tola  rhe  'Yfvrou' 
of  his  good  luck  with  Martin,  and  of  their  inteuuons  for  tag 
morning,  that  careful  lady  said  : 

"  Who  will  be  your  bridesman  ?  Do  you  think  the  you;  15 
lady  would  stand  with  Elsie  ?" 


"THE  CONSHMMATION  DEVOUTLY  TO  BE  WISHED."     469 

There  were  difficulties  unforeseen  by  the  young  Dutchman, 
bat  his  counsellor  was  equal  to  the  occasion,  so  rising  up  she 
said: 

*'  Go  your  ways,  and  engage  the  young  gentleman  for 
your  side,  I  will  see  the  other  side  supported." 

This  hint  was  taken  by  Teunis,  who  made  Clarence  his 
friend.  The  thought  darted  through  the  young  heroic  bro- 
ther's mind,  "  Why  not  make  both  parties  happy,  so  finish 
ing  what  has  been  worked  for  so  hard  by  Bertram  ?" 

It  only  required  his  earnest  voice  and  warm  heart,  to  plead 
for  his  cousin,  and  the  thing  was  done.  He  told  the  whole 
story  of  Elsie's  self-sacrificing  devotion  to  Margaret,  so  that 
nothing  could  be  refused  to  her  or  to  her  friends. 

I  promised,  said  the  knight  to  Bertram,  on  the  eve  of 
that  miserable  attack,  that  if  Margaret  could  be  recovered, 
their  hands  should  be  joined.  I  shall  keep  my  word  of 
honor;  only  Georgiana  we  must  go  up  in  disguise.  Tins 
pass  from  our  cousin  George  Clinton,  will  carry  us  safely 
through. 

And  as  the  Dominie  said  afterward,  "  he  came,  and  saw, 
and  yielded." 

A  short  time  after  the  events  recorded  in  the  preceding 
history  had  transpired,  and  before  the  wonder  was  entirely 
past,  the  Dominie  was  sitting  in  his  study  when  Tom  entered, 
followed  by  Unga,  the  deformed  child  of  Dora.  He  stood 
in  the  middle  of  the  room  puffing  out  his  breath,  while  his 
head  rose  up,  and  as  it  fell  he  drew  in  the  surrounding  :iir, 
so  that  the  spectator  could  imagine  that  he  saw  a  swirl,  like 
a  small  whirlpool,  around  the  strange  creature. 

"  What  now,  you  limb  of  Sathanus,"  said  the  student  of 
Leyden,  lifting  up  his  eyes  from  a  large  Latin  folio  that  he 
was  amusing  himself  with.  "  What  news  from  the  realms 
of  darkness  ?" 

"  Pleas  youd  reberence,"  said  Tom  in  a  very  low  manner, 
"Unga  hab  someting  frob  de  high'd  legions  to  'municato 
frob  <ie  prince  ob  de  air  an'  powers." 

" '  Prince  of  the  power  of  the  air.'  You  fool,  quote  the 
Scripture  correctly  and  go  out  with  you,  for  I  see  that  you 
want  to  know  all  about  Unga's  message,  but  begone." 

Unga's  head  rose  a  few  inches  higher,  and  was  followed 
by  an  eldritch  scream,  out  of  doors,  that  made  the  minister* 
irian  run  to  see  what  was  the  cause.     In  the  meantime  th< 
Dwarf  put  ft  package  into  the  hand  of  the  Dominie,  Bhtin& 
uown  himself  as  if  he  were  at  home.     The  loiter  ran  th\i-- : 


470  THE   DUTCH   DOMINIE. 

" REVEEENMSSIMO  DOMINO:  When  we  last  met  in  iny 
retreat,  we  parted  scarcely  agreeing  in  our  opinions  concern- 
ing that  particular  Providence  which  you  Calvinists  believe 
in.  Occurrences  which  have  lately  taken  place,  have  gone  to 
convince  me,  whatever  Calvin  would  say  were  he  in  your 
place,  that  no  plan  ever  is  carried  through  agreeably  to  that 
laid  down  by  its  architect.  Were  I  going  to  preach  to  you, 
as  you  have  held  forth  to  me,  it  would  be  from  the  words 
of  our  immortal  bard,  a  man,  though  you  may  not  allow  it, 
equal  to  Calvin : 

"  '  There's  a  Divinity  that  shapes  our  ends, 
Rough  hew  them  as  we  may.' 

"  I  have  been  marking  out  my  timber,  and  hewing  it  liko 
the  great  King  Solomon  in  the  wilderness,  deeming  all  the 
time  that  my  fabric  was  coming  to  perfection,  when  to  my 
amazement  I  found  that  the  tools  I  was  using  rose  up  against 
me,  and  have  carried  out  a  purpose  not  of  my  own  inven- 
tion. 

"  You  have  pronounced  me  to  be  a  double-sided  man ;  and 
if  appearances  were  to  be  your  ground  of  judgment,  I  am 
many  sided ;  but  in  the  face  of  all  those  signs,  I  have  had  ono 
ruling  passion — REVENGE." 

"  1  tell  you  now  freely  I  sought  to  be  revenged  on  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  because  he  favored  my  enemy ;  but  my  de- 
sign on  him  was  only  a  step  toward  the  depth  of  my  purpose 
— the  deep  damnation  of  Clifford. 

"  I  have  lived  these  two  years  past  for  nothing  else.  I 
found  my  way  to  the  presence  of  Washington,  obtained  a 
commission  in  the  secret  service,  took  up  my  quarters  at  the 
loot  of  your  mountain,  on  the  lines  between  the  contending 
armies  ;  assumed  characters  that  were  obnoxious  to  me  ;  wiz- 
ard, spook,  hermit  ;  anything  that  would  further  my  fell  pur- 
pose-— REVENGE.  All  kinds  of  persons  Wtie  taken  into  my 
service  ;  forgetful  as  I  became,  that  every  man  and  womar, 
as  well  as  I,  had  a  mind  of  their  own,  and  a  purpose  of  their 
own  to  carry  out ;  which  could  not  in  all  parts  harmonise 
with  mine.  Yet  I  went  on  planning,  as  if  they  were  passive 
instruments,  molded  after  my  wisdom  and  for  my  ends. 

"  I  found  out  my  mistake ;  that  villain  Kiskataam,  whom  1 
employed  to  decoy  Clifford  here,  by  offering  to  abduct  the 
knight's  daughter,  had  vengeance  of  his  own,  that  he  sought 
to  visit  on  the  head  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  j  and  while  car:  711  g 


"THE   CONSUMMATION   DEVOUTLY   TO  BE   WISHED."      471 

that  out,  another  passion  for  her  took  possession  of  his  bosom, 
disappointing  me  of  my  expectations  of  retaining  her  under 
my  guardianship,  as  a  punishment  upon  her  father  and  future 
surety  for  myself. 

"  Nor  did  I  succeed  bettei  through  my  agent  Elsie;  one  of 
another  and  of  a  nobler  nature.  By  degrees  she  was  winning 
upon  my  own  affections,  and  I  shall  not  now  avow  all  that 
was  in  my  heart  concerning  her.  One  thing  I  was  certain 
of  for  the  time,  when  I  found  that  Miss  Clinton  had  fallen 
into  her  hand,  that  all  was  at  my  disposal ;  but  the  high- 
minded  mountain  maid  was  too  direct  in  her  purpose  to  be 
led  into  any  labyrinth  of  mine.  What  you  were  pleased  to 
designate  as  'theatrical'  could  r.ot  be  understood  by  her  in 
her  exceeding  truthfulness;  and  I  was  prevented  from  taking 
possession  of  the  person  of  Miss  Clinton  entirely  through  her 
determination  of  purpose.  All  came  within  an  ace  of  an 
utter  failure.  I  have  just  escaped  being  caught  in  my  own 
craftiness,  and  the  villain  Clifford  has  only  received  a  part 
of  his  punishment. 

"REVENGE  burns  still  in  my  breast,  and  must  till  the  vow 
recorded  in  heaven  be  fulfilled.  I  am  off,  prowling  like  the 
wolf,  round  Fort  Niagara;  and  woe  to  my  victim,  should  he 
leave  that  place  of  refuge.  His  blood  only  can  cool  thui 
malignant  fire  that  burns,  burns  for  REVENGE. 

"I  am,  Reverendissimo  Domino, 

"  Your  admirer, 

••  s.  c.» 


40 


'*»•;  . 


*,. 


